Thierno Barry vows to prove Everton critics wrong and reveals reason behind Leeds celebration

Everton forward Thierno Barry maintained his fine run of form on Monday night, netting the equaliser in the Toffees’ 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

The goal marked his fourth in five Premier League appearances and underlined his growing influence in David Moyes’ side.

Barry has made it clear he is determined to silence his critics, while admitting his move from Spain to England has presented a demanding adjustment period.

The striker arrived at Hill Dickinson Stadium during the summer for a fee believed to be around £27 million, following an impressive LaLiga campaign in which he scored 11 goals in 35 appearances for Villarreal, helping them secure a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification.

Despite those credentials, Barry’s start to life on Merseyside was challenging. He did not open his Everton account until early December, scoring in a 3-0 home victory over Nottingham Forest.

Since then, however, the forward has found his rhythm and has looked increasingly confident with each outing.

While Barry insists the early criticism did not trouble him personally, he admits it was harder for his family back in France to deal with the negativity.

“It wasn’t really me, it was my family,” Barry explained. “They would send me messages every day showing people saying I was the worst striker. I just say, ‘Okay, I’m the worst striker,’ and that’s why I do that celebration when I score, mouthing ‘me?’

“I see the criticism, but I like proving people wrong when they have the wrong idea about me. I don’t mind people talking about me — it motivates me.”

Barry also acknowledged that adapting to the Premier League has been a steep learning curve after coming from Spain, particularly due to the league’s physical demands.

“It’s because I came from Spain,” he said. “I had to adapt to a new league, and it’s difficult when you’re playing against the best defenders in the world. It’s much more physical here.

“I’m tall, but I’m not very strong, so I need to work on my body and learn how to use it better to protect the ball. I’m learning every day in training and trying to prove every week that I belong here. Playing in England has always been my dream.”

The 22-year-old also praised Moyes for showing faith in him, stressing how important regular game time has been to his development.

“To improve quickly, you need to play,” Barry added. “The manager has given me a lot of confidence, and I want to repay that. I train every day to be ready, to give more, and I hope I can keep going like this.”