Everton told to sign striker who would ‘score more than Beto and Thierno Barry put together’

Beto and Thierno Barry scored 18 goals between them in all competitions last season, but the Blues have been urged to sign someone capable to beating that number by himself

Everton have been urged to make a move for AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott this summer – with the Republic of Ireland international backed to score more goals than Beto and Thierno Barry put together.

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Parrott, 24, has scored 51 goals across the past two seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie, and also memorably bagged a hat-trick for his country in a World Cup qualifier against Hungary last year.

Parrott has previously had loan spells with Millwall, Ipswich, MK Dons and Preston, and after his exploits in the Netherlands he is being tipped by many to move back to English football this summer.

Everton have long been linked with a possible move for Parrott, and former Ireland, Aston Villa and Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend feels he would represent a better option for the Blues than Chelsea’s Liam Delap, another name who has been discussed.

“Troy Parrott is a finisher and a poacher, he’s shown over the last couple of years in Holland that he can consistently score goals,” said Townsend.

“Whereas Liam Delap is big, upright, and a little more aggressive. I’ve been disappointed with Delap at Chelsea, I saw nothing there.

“Out of the two, I know which one would score more goals, Troy. But it depends what you’re looking for. In modern football, it’s not easy for a smaller guy to operate as a lone striker and produce high numbers, though Troy has done that successfully in Holland.

“He’s shown for Ireland in big matches that he can get significant goals. But he doesn’t have that physical presence. He’s one of those guys who comes alive when the ball arrives in the box.

“If you want someone to battle, hold the ball up, be aggressive, and defend in your own box, then Delap might tick that box more. For many managers further down the table, a striker’s total numbers aren’t as paramount as their ability to play every week, be strong, and provide a physical presence for the team, especially away from home.”

Townsend feels that Parrott would represent an upgrade on both Beto and Barry, who scored 18 goals between them last season and both netted in last Saturday’s 4-0 friendly win at Dundee.

“You have to battle for your lives,” continued Townsend, via CasinoHawks. “For that reason, smaller strikers aren’t always the first choice. But Troy’s always going to score goals. Everton have had two big guys in Beto and Barry, and neither look like they have a goal in them.

“I know Troy would score more than those two put together, so let’s see.”

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