Thierno Barry hails Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s ‘quality’ after first Everton start | OneFootball

Everton striker Thierno Barry says he is relishing the prospect of building an on-field partnership with fellow summer arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The new Everton centre-forward revealed the midfielder has already made a big impression in training.

The Toffees signed Barry from Villarreal in July, and he featured on Saturday in the 1-0 pre-season defeat to AS Roma at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Leading the line for Everton, the 22-year-old Frenchman offered glimpses of his potential despite the narrow loss.

Operating just behind him, Dewsbury-Hall made his debut in royal blue. Everton recruited the midfielder from Chelsea after a spell with Leicester City.

Stationed in an advanced midfield role, the 26-year-old produced an assured display, mixing neat touches with surging runs from deep.

Barry says the quality was evident from day one. “The first time I met him in training, I saw the quality of him,” he explained (via Everton’s website).

“I think he can give me good passes this season. I’ll try to create a good relationship with him.”

Everton fans will be encouraged by the chemistry between the two, with Dewsbury-Hall bringing proven Premier League pedigree while Barry impressed for Villarreal last season.

Everton begin their Premier League campaign away to Leeds United on Monday, with Barry and Dewsbury-Hall both pushing for starting roles in David Moyes’ XI.

Everton have dominated recent league meetings with Leeds, winning three of the last five (D2), and haven’t lost at Elland Road since 2001.

The Toffees have also won six of their past 10 league games against the hosts, losing only once.

However, Leeds were the Championship’s home kings last season, winning 18 times at Elland Road, scoring 61 goals and conceding just 12.

Daniel Farke’s men will rely on that fortress-like form to make a statement on their Premier League return. Everton’s poor pre-season offers Leeds a glimmer of hope.