Thierno Barry: From Tears to Goals – How Everton Striker Turned His Form Around
Thierno Barry has overcome a difficult start to his Everton career, scoring in three consecutive games after a video of him in tears during a one-on-one session last season went viral. His individual coach, Scott Chickelday, reveals the mental work behind the striker's revival.
- Player: Thierno Barry, 23, Everton striker
- Key coach: Scott Chickelday, individual finishing coach
- Recent form: Scored vs Crystal Palace, hat-trick vs Preston, match-winner vs Ipswich
- Mental approach: Working on resilience and the 'Harry Kane mindset'
- Impact: Ranked top-five in Premier League for counter pressures and high-speed pressing runs
What was said
"That was real emotion. They were true tears."
"He was on the floor when I met him and that video obviously shows it."
"It could have gone two ways for him."
"When you play badly as a player you get labelled for picking up your money and not caring. That video, a lot of Everton supporters have looked at it and thought, 'you know what, yes, he does bloody care'."
"He has had a big pre-season, putting himself in extra camps to get fit, to get himself mentally tougher."
"He has come back mentally stronger."
"We worked on his finishing and he has come back flying. It has been a rollercoaster for him, getting booed by his own fans and being cheered like a hero. All these ups and downs."
"He has got a young baby too so he has had a lot going on. I know supporters will not look at that side of things because all they see is what he does on a Saturday. But he was adjusting to what is probably one of the toughest leagues in the world."
"He needs repetition, he knows he does. But he wants to do it. He still feels like he has got a lot to prove. It has just taken him that bit longer to find his feet."
"We have to fall in line with that. It is about being better in those areas of his game so that when he does find himself in those areas, he is equipped to score. We work a lot on one-touch finishing within the width of the six-yard box. He has just got to get that consistency in his game now."
"It is about being mentally tough. It is about resetting. You have to back yourself. It is the Harry Kane mindset. If you miss an opportunity, that has gone. It is on to the next one. You can still go out there on a Saturday and score goals even if you have not scored in the previous three games."
"Since working with players at this level, that is what I have learned. Talent gets you through the door. Confidence and mindset get you longevity and success. He struggled with that and he needed to get better at it. But he has got better as time has gone."
"He comes across as this big, confident person when you see his goal celebrations but there are times when he has been low in confidence underneath."
"It is about not having fewer drop offs and becoming more consistent. I am sure that he will. And if he gets it right, he will go on to become a very good striker in the Premier League."
"He was so low. But he pulled himself back up."
These quotes paint a picture of a young striker who has faced significant mental hurdles but is now reaping the rewards of hard work. The honesty from both Barry and Chickelday offers a rare insight into the psychological demands of Premier League football.
The numbers
- 23 – Barry's age
- 3 – Consecutive games scored in: vs Crystal Palace, Preston (hat-trick), Ipswich
- Top-five – Barry's Premier League rank for counter pressures and high-speed pressing runs this season
- 1 – Hat-trick in the cup win at Preston
Why Barry's mental reset is key to Everton's season
Thierno Barry arrived at Everton with plenty of promise but struggled to adapt to the Premier League's intensity. The viral video of him in tears highlighted the pressure he was under, but it also humanised him in the eyes of supporters. Now, with goals flowing, the 23-year-old is repaying the faith shown by manager David Moyes. The tailored training with Chickelday focuses on one-touch finishing inside the six-yard box – a reflection of the chances Everton create. If Barry maintains this form, he could be the difference between a mid-table finish and a push for Europe.
Talking points
- Is sharing vulnerability a strength or a risk for Premier League players? Barry's video sparked support, but could it invite criticism from rivals?
- Everton lack striking alternatives until January – can Barry handle the burden of being the main man?
- Barry's pressing stats are elite, but his finishing remains inconsistent. Will he ever become a 20-goal striker?
- David Moyes's system demands a certain type of striker. Is Barry truly the right fit long-term?
What happens next
Barry will look to continue his scoring run in Everton's next fixture. With no recognised senior alternative up front, he is set for an extended run in the team. The January transfer window could bring competition, but for now, the stage is his. Everton fans will be hoping his upward trajectory continues.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Thierno Barry?
Thierno Barry is 23 years old, as stated in the source article.
Which teams has Thierno Barry scored against this season?
He scored against Crystal Palace, Preston (hat-trick) and Ipswich.
Who is Thierno Barry's individual coach?
Scott Chickelday, who has been working with him on finishing and mental resilience.
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