KOEMAN: BARRY CAN PLAY TWO MORE SEASONS

Everton coach Ronald Koeman said that Gareth Barry can play for two more years after the Toffees star got his 600th Premier League appearance.


Everton cruised to second spot in the English Premier League as they thrashed new season joiners Middlesbrough 3-1. Barry was on the target, showing that he was not slowing down anytime soon.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is the Premier League record holder for most matches played. His record stands at 632, and Barry seems to be the one to break such a prestigious record. Koeman hinted at giving the Everton player a new deal when he said: “If the team is compact and he doesn’t need to run too much between the lines then he can play two more years at this level no problem.”

Barry is one of the influential players at the club, and his absence was felt as Everton crashed out of the English Football League Cup.

Norwich City defeated Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park, ending their hopes of continuing in the tournament. Though Koeman made six changes to the squad that defeated Boro, fans were angry and questioned the squad rotation. The fans complained bitterly on Twitter, pinning the hopes on the absence of Gareth Barry and lack of quality striking option like Romelu Lukaku.

“He can’t do all the training sessions of course, but if you keep the boy fit, he will be very important for the team,” Koeman added. Barry would try to avoid an injury this term so he can edge close to the record. If he succeeds and features next season, he would likely break Giggs’ record. Everton has started the campaign this season on a good note. The changes Koeman have made have been obvious, but the season is far from ending.