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Pearce shares two reasons why Everton’s Gareth Barry has had such a successful career

Everton's Gareth Barry celebrates scoring their first goal (REUTERS)
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Everton beat Middlesbrough 3-1 on Saturday, and Gareth Barry stole the show in more ways than one.

Everton's Gareth BarryEverton’s Gareth Barry

Speaking live on Sky Sports’ programme Sky Sports Now at 11:53 am, Stuart Pearce offered high praise for Gareth Barry.

Barry, 35, reached a milestone on Saturday, making his 600th Premier League appearance during Everton’s 3-1 win over Middlesbrough, and became only the third man to reach that landmark in the history of England’s top flight.

103 of those appearances have been for the Toffees, and despite his advancing years, Barry has been one of the most integral parts of Ronald Koeman’s side so far this season.

Pearce is a huge fan of the former Manchester City and Aston Villa man, and asked what has enabled Barry to achieve such longevity in his career, he told Sky Sports:

Fans applaud Everton's Gareth Barry as he is substitutedFans applaud Everton’s Gareth Barry as he is substituted

“Consistency and professionalism.”

The 35-year-old seems to be relishing the Merseyside outfit’s fine run of form, that has seen them rise to second in the Premier League table, and is arguably playing the best football of his career.

Everton's Gareth Barry applauds the fans as he is substitutedEverton’s Gareth Barry applauds the fans as he is substituted

Quite how far the Blues can go this year is still up for debate, and the next set of three games should provide more of an idea of where they are actually at as a team.

Trips to Bournemouth and Manchester City are sandwiched with a home game against Crystal Palace, and if they could take at least seven points from those fixtures, the players and fans will begin to feel that the sky really is the limit.

Everton's Gareth Barry scores their first goalEverton’s Gareth Barry scores their first goal