FootyRecall Player Profiles
Thierno Barry: The poacher disguised as a target man
Barry gives Everton a direct outlet, but his decisive work is pinning centre-backs and arriving for the final touch inside the box.
- Club
- Everton
- Position
- Centre-forward
- Age
- 23
The player and the role
Barry is 1.95 m, but "target man" gives the wrong emphasis. Everton can use his height to escape pressure, yet his decisive work happens at the other end of the move. He stays high, pins the centre-backs and attacks a cross or loose ball with as few touches as possible. Everton ask him to finish moves, not explain them.
At a glance
- 0.76
- League xG per 90
- Best in his age-position peer group
- 3.50
- League xG
- Two goals scored
- 5
- All-competition goals
- Across seven starts
How they play
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall operates between the lines while the wide players carry and create. Barry occupies both centre-backs or attacks their seam. Against Crystal Palace, Ndiaye crossed from the right and Barry rose between the pair. Against Ipswich, he held the central lane until Tarkowski's shot reached him and redirected it with his chest. Different finishes, same principle: arrive where the defence cannot see ball and man.
What the numbers tell us
His 3.50 xG, or 0.76 per 90, leads the nine Premier League forwards aged 21 to 25 who have cleared 180 minutes. He has scored twice, so the chance supply is ahead of the finishing. His EFL Cup hat-trick and assist raise the all-competition return to five goals in seven starts.
How the role has evolved
Last season brought 8 league goals from 8.17 xG, but no assists and only 0.44 xA. He again has only 0.15 xA. This is role truth, not a creative slump. Total Football Analysis recorded a 67.3% aerial win rate, 3.2 miscontrols per game and 62% pass completion in his 2024/25 La Liga season.
The season in context
2026/272026/27 Premier League: 417 minutes, five starts, 2 goals, 0 assists, 3.50 xG, 0.15 xA.
2025/262025/26 Premier League: 1,898 minutes, 21 starts, 8 goals, 0 assists, 8.17 xG, 0.44 xA.
Cups & Europe2026/27: two EFL Cup starts and 140 minutes, with 3 goals and 1 assist; 5 goals in seven club appearances overall. 2025/26: 41 appearances, 8 goals and 0 assists in all competitions.
How they compare
League comparisons use the same FPL position and players within two years of age, with at least 180 minutes this season or 900 last season. Other measures identify their provider or competition below.
- 1st
- xG per 90
- 9 forwards, age 21 to 25
- His 0.76 xG per 90 leads the current peer group.
Where they can improve
If Everton isolate him, the attack can end at his feet. His frame disguises limited link play, and he remains their only recognised senior No. 9.
What we’re watching next
Follow first-time box chances and xG, not assists. Barry needs Everton to preserve both parts of the bargain: a viable direct outlet and regular service near goal.