David Moyes was let down by Everton’s transfer business this summer
David Moyes was arguably left disappointed by Everton’s hierarchy following what proved to be an underwhelming summer transfer window.
There were expectations that the Toffees would finish the window with a stronger and more balanced squad than they had at the beginning of it. Instead, Everton entered the season with just one senior striker and failed to bring in specialist cover for either full-back position.
Everton’s unbeaten start to the campaign has certainly helped ease some of those concerns, but it should not hide the fact that Moyes has been left with a squad that could face serious problems during a demanding Premier League season.
A new statistic has also highlighted why Everton urgently need to address one of the major weaknesses created during the transfer window.
Thierno Barry still has plenty to learn
Thierno Barry has made a promising start to the season, but the 23-year-old remains a developing striker who is still learning his trade at Premier League level.
During his first campaign, Barry managed eight Premier League goals, showing glimpses of his potential while also making it clear that he is still a work in progress.
He has already scored five goals in all competitions this season, although three of those came in the Carabao Cup second-round hat-trick against Preston.
In the Premier League, Barry has scored twice in five appearances, with his latest goal proving decisive in Everton’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Everton need another striker quickly
The decision to enter the season with Barry as Everton’s only senior striker was something that could have been avoided.
There is no doubt that Barry is a hard-working player with plenty of potential, so the issue is not about criticising him. Instead, Everton have placed too much responsibility on a young forward who is still developing.
A new statistic from WhoScored on X has highlighted just how much more effective Barry could have been this season.
According to the data, Barry has missed six big chances in the Premier League so far this campaign, the highest figure among all players.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Erling Haaland, Bryan Mbeumo, Evanilson, Igor Thiago and Charalampos Kostoulas have each missed four big chances.
The numbers underline the importance of Everton having another experienced attacking option who can share the responsibility with Barry.
Everton must fix their summer mistakes
Moyes deserves credit for keeping Everton unbeaten despite the concerns and distractions surrounding the squad.
However, it would be understandable if the Everton manager privately wished he had been given greater depth before the transfer window closed.
The current squad may be coping for now, but the demands of a full Premier League campaign could expose those weaknesses as the season progresses.
If Everton genuinely want to challenge for European football, they cannot afford to ignore the shortcomings of their summer recruitment.
The priority should be finding another striker as soon as possible — someone capable of complementing Barry and taking some of the goalscoring burden away from him.
Barry should be allowed to continue developing without being placed under the pressure of carrying Everton’s entire attacking responsibility on his shoulders.
New Thierno Barry reveal exposes Everton’s biggest mistake and leaves David Moyes facing a huge dilemma
