‘He looked lost at times’ – Charlie Adam blasts Everton star after what he saw in win vs Mansfield Town

‘He looked lost at times’ – Charlie Adam blasts Everton star after what he saw in win vs Mansfield Town

Everton Beat Mansfield, But Striker Concerns Grow After Barry’s Disappointing Display

Everton eventually booked their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Beto were enough to see off the League One side, helping the Toffees continue their positive start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, following their recent 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League.

While the result was a step forward, not everyone in Everton blue had a night to remember.

Charlie Adam Slams Thierno Barry After Poor Performance

Thierno Barry, who is still trying to find his feet after joining from Villarreal, was handed a rare start by David Moyes. The Carabao Cup clash was a chance for the young French forward to impress — but he failed to take it.

Moyes substituted Barry in the 61st minute after a quiet performance, where he managed just 27 touches, the fewest completed passes among Everton starters, and looked increasingly isolated in attack.

Everton’s first-half struggles in the final third were clear, with Mansfield holding their own for large spells. The Toffees lacked creativity and cohesion going forward, and Barry’s display came under fire from former Everton coach Charlie Adam, who didn’t hold back during his commentary on talkSPORT 2.

“The back four hasn’t been a problem; it’s the top end of the pitch that lacks rhythm or fluency,” Adam said.
“Barry is playing as a nine, and he’s looked isolated — even lost at times.”

Do Everton Need a New Striker Before the Deadline?

Barry is still a work in progress, and patience is usually needed with young players adapting to English football. However, with Everton aiming for a top-half finish this season, time isn’t on their side.

Beto, while useful, hasn’t consistently proven himself as a clinical finisher, raising further concerns about the lack of a reliable number nine.

Despite a flurry of attacking signings this summer, the squad still appears to lack a true focal point up front — someone who can lead the line with regular goals.

With the transfer window closing on Monday, Everton may need to act fast. Proven strikers are tough to find without deep pockets, but if the club wants to maintain momentum and compete in the top half, bringing in another striker could be essential.