Gareth Barry has promised a much better performance from Everton

Former England international Gareth Barry has promised a much better performance from Everton next season, but he has admitted that the club need to strengthen in a couple of areas in order to do so.

One of the club’s primary requirements according to Barry is a playmaker who can supply the ammunition necessary for Romelu Lukaku to convert. The former Chelsea man was signed permanently for a club record fee of almost £ 30 million, but he has failed to convince in his first permanent season at the club. Martinez has backed Lukaku to become one of the best strikers in the world.

He finished last season with statistics of 20 goals in 45 appearances, while there were seven assists to his name as well. After having almost snatched a top four place in Martinez’ first season at the club, Everton finished in a disappointing 11th last season. Barry has admitted that the performances were certainly not good enough. It was clearly evident that Everton were distracted by Europa league football. Towards the knockout stages of the European competition, Everton clearly placed an emphasis to potentially win the title. However, they were out in the early knockout stages.

Next season, Everton will not have any distractions and can focus on the league.“Our Premier League form hasn’t been good enough and the majority of our best performances have come in Europe.In the Premier League we had a disappointing run, especially around Christmas so we need to get a consistent run in the league next season.It is pretty much the same team but it just hasn’t happened.But the way it has gone this season, has to make us stronger next season, but we need to start well,” said the Everton midfielder, who featured in 42 appearances across all competitions.