Exclusive Don Hutchison Interview: Everton, Barry, and Expectations

Everton's unbeaten start to the season came to an end on Saturday, as Chelsea won 2-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with Pedro Neto scoring at the start and end of the second half.

The defeat leaves David Moyes' side eighth in the Premier League with 10 points from seven games, having won two, drawn four and lost one.

A trip to Arsenal is next on Saturday, while Liverpool visit the Hill Dickinson for the Merseyside derby next month.

Off the pitch, The Friedkin Group's confirmation that they are looking to sell the club has added another layer of uncertainty, after a summer in which supporters had hoped for more investment in the squad.

We spoke to former Everton captain Don Hutchison to get his thoughts on the club's situation, what they should be aiming for this season, Thierno Barry's form in front of goal and the players in Serie A who could help.

Hutchison has followed The Friedkin Group's ownership of Roma closely, and he understands why Evertonians are concerned about what comes next.

Everton Roundtable asked Hutchison how he assesses Everton's position ahead of the derby.

"It is frustrating because there is so much uncertainty on and off the pitch. The Friedkin Group saying they want to sell has created concern among supporters. I have watched their involvement at Roma, and one criticism is the lack of communication. Fans want to know what is happening, but they do not always get that clarity," Hutchison said.

The former Everton midfielder was also critical of the club's business in the summer window, with a right-back arriving late and Barry left as the only established centre-forward following Beto's departure.

“The lack of investment over the summer was concerning, and then the news about a possible sale added another layer of uncertainty.

“David Moyes still has to find a way to win matches. They brought in a right-back eventually, but left it very late, and they are short up front.

“With Beto gone, there is a lot resting on Thierno Barry. If he gets injured, they are light in that position.”

Everton finished 13th last season, and despite Saturday's setback, Hutchison believes they should be looking up the table rather than over their shoulders.

“I think they are better than simply worrying about staying up.

“They need a run of games where they can pick up wins and become difficult to beat. At Hill Dickinson, they have to keep churning out points.

“With David Moyes, they are capable of having a good season. When we talk about Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton challenging for European places, there is no reason Everton cannot put themselves in that conversation,” says Hutchison.

With four draws already this season, turning stalemates into wins will be key, and Hutchison stresses how quickly things can change.

“A couple of wins can move you into eighth or ninth, and confidence is everything in football. Build that momentum and you can start looking towards Europe.”

Hutchison keeps a close eye on Italian football, and he picked out three players who could address Everton's shortages at full-back and up front.

Top of his list is Atalanta's Raoul Bellanova, a quick and versatile right-sided defender who is back to full fitness after injury disrupted his last campaign.

“If you have not seen him, look at his assist against AC Milan.

“He reminds me of Federico Valverde in the way he looks and runs: upright, tall and absolutely rapid. He can play as a wing-back or right-back, has brilliant energy and is one of the quickest players in Serie A in that position.

“An injury disrupted him last season, but he is fit again. I really like him,” Hutchison said.

He also highlighted Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.

“He is underrated and versatile: he can play wing-back, right-back in a back four or as one of three centre-backs.”

Up front, Hutchison believes Cagliari forward Paul Mendy could provide the cover and competition that Barry currently lacks.

“Paul Mendy at Cagliari caught my eye last season, and I watched him again against Juventus. He is a Senegalese player who cost very little and looks an exciting prospect.

“He has a little of Victor Osimhen about him: long legs, athleticism, the ability to bring the ball down on his chest, lay it off and sprint into the box.

“He could be the sort of player Everton need — somebody to provide cover for Barry and compete for his place.”

Barry has been getting into scoring positions this season, but he has missed his share of chances, and Hutchison sees parallels with another Everton No 9.

He recalls how Carlo Ancelotti helped Dominic Calvert-Lewin by changing how he used his energy.

“I remember Dominic Calvert-Lewin working so hard for Everton that, by the time a chance arrived, he was exhausted.

“Carlo Ancelotti came in and showed him footage of Filippo Inzaghi. The message was: ‘I don’t want you running the channels. Play the width of the penalty area and don’t take more than two touches.’

“Calvert-Lewin then had a brilliant season under Ancelotti before his injuries.”

Hutchison believes Barry's work rate is a strength, but it can come at a cost when the big moments arrive.

“Barry is similar in that he is incredibly unselfish. He runs the channels, sprints, challenges in the air, takes knocks, gets up and keeps going. But when the good chances come, he can be tired and rush the finish.

“With experience, he needs to find that balance: can he reduce some of the running, show for the ball, lay it off and make sure he is fresh enough to take one of the two or three chances he gets?

“That is difficult for a young striker because you want to contribute. You don’t want the manager thinking you are not working hard enough. But that is the balance he has to find,” said Hutchison.

Thanks to BetBrain and Don Hutchison for kindly agreeing to this interview for Everton Roundtable.