‘Moyes told me I have the quality for Premier League’ – French-Guinean Thierno Barry on Everton move

Thierno Barry has revealed that manager David Moyes played a key role in his decision to join Everton from Villarreal, after just one season with the Spanish club.

The 22-year-old striker, who holds dual Guinean and French nationality, is aiming to make a quick impact in the Premier League and says Moyes’ belief in his talent was decisive in sealing the move.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Barry becomes a new option in attack for the Toffees and has already set his sights on learning from his more experienced teammates.

“Me, I am here to learn, and to learn with good strikers, like Beto and other strikers of the team,” he told evertontv. “I think it’s my force – one of my strengths – to learn with the other strikers.”

Barry is keen to hit the ground running and help push Everton to a better finish than last season.

“I want to start quickly here, I want to help the team to win and I to score goals. I hope we can finish in a high position in the Premier League.”

The former Villarreal forward also spoke highly of Moyes’ approach and how his arrival last season sparked change at Everton.

“When I spoke to him for the first time, I felt this. He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League. He wants to help me on my road. I feel the sincerity with him so that’s why I chose to come here as well.”

With a new stadium and fresh ambition, Barry believes Everton are building something special — and he is determined to be part of it. “I can’t wait to get started.”