Everton are back in Premier League action on Tuesday evening, making the trip to face Bournemouth on the south coast.
There has been a fair bit of reaction following Everton’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle over the weekend, with some supporters starting to question whether David Moyes is still the right man for the job.
As a result, there is now some pressure on Moyes to deliver a positive response when Everton travel to Bournemouth.
Moyes addressed reporters this morning ahead of the game and revealed he had come to an important decision regarding Thierno Barry.
David Moyes says Thierno Barry is now Everton’s first-choice striker
During his pre-match press conference, the Scotsman confirmed he has made Barry his starting striker, choosing him ahead of Beto.
He stated: “What we’ve chosen to do at the moment is give him the opportunity to play and to show what he can do.
“I think it’s been great what the supporters have done, they’ve backed him big time and it’s given him great confidence.
“Look we need him to come up with goals, that’s part of the job of a number nine, to come up with goals.
“But we’re happy with the way he’s playing at the moment, he’s helping us and certainly beginning to get used to the Premier League and playing for Everton.”
The Everton boss also pointed out that Barry is still finding his feet in a new country and club but feels he is starting to settle in now.
Beto’s position now uncertain
With Barry now established as Everton’s first-choice number nine and the club reportedly looking to bring in another striker during the January window, Beto’s role has become increasingly unclear.
The former Udinese forward appears set to drop further down the pecking order in the second half of the season.
In that context, selling Beto to help fund a new signing might be the most practical move for Everton.
During the summer, the Portuguese striker was linked with several clubs, including Leeds United, Fenerbahce, and various sides in Italy.
Selling him now could allow Everton to maximise his value before it drops any further. The club could be open to offers when January comes around.
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