Michael Ball: Thierno Barry must take charge if Everton are to improve

Everton’s 1‑0 home loss to Manchester United on Monday night has prompted a stark assessment from former Toffees fullback Michael Ball.

He says striker Thierno Barry must shoulder greater responsibility if he is to fulfil his potential in the Premier League.

Veteran observers argue Barry’s influence on games needs to grow beyond moments of promise, particularly in how he positions himself and impacts matches with decisive attacking contributions.

The French forward, who has struggled to find the net in recent matches, was unable to convert a rare chance in the defeat as Everton lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

United’s substitute Benjamin Sesko’s 71st‑minute strike was enough to secure the win amidst a cagey contest, highlighting Everton’s inability to convert their pressure into tangible returns. Ball’s critique centres on Barry’s game intelligence and movement.

He believes the 23‑year‑old must do more to create space, make himself a clear option for teammates and consistently threaten opposition defences rather than waiting for service to come to him.

Ball wrote for the Liverpool Echo: “Thierno Barry needs to start getting more shots on goal for Everton. Every time a look at him, he’s got two or three players around him.

“He needs to find space and be aware of his surroundings a bit more. The service to him is not always the best and there were some hopeful long balls on Monday, but when Manchester United’s midfielders get possession, I’ve seen their strikers turn and sprint, showing some dynamic runs.

“I didn’t see one from Barry. He’s waiting for someone to find him, but you need to make their mind up for them by making a clever run – give Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall no choice but to play you in.

“I know he’s got a certain body language that looks laid back and lethargic, so when things don’t come off it perhaps looks worse than it probably is. He works hard at times, but I sometimes feel like they’re the wrong moments.

“It feels like he’s not looking at the ball a lot and when he does, it’s at the last minute and it all seems rather frantic or off the cuff. You can’t sprint for every ball, you’ve got to pick your moments.”