Ronald Koeman Labels Gareth Barry as One of the Best He Has Managed

Ronald Koeman has branded Everton midfielder Gareth Barry as one of the best he has managed.


The veteran midfielder came up with the winner in the 2-1 victory over West Brom. This gave Everton the first league win of the season after they could only come away with a 1-1 draw from the game against Tottenham. This victory was vitally important to kickstart the campaign and help the arrival of a new manager be a seamless transition from the previous regime.Koeman has arrived at Everton from Southampton with big ambitions. His ambitions have been fuelled by the club splashing out on players like Bolasie.

However, it was one of the veteran players at Goodison Park came up with the answers to West Brom.McAuley gave West Brom a lead early on in the match, but the away team were level on terms just seconds before half-time through a wonderful goal from Kevin Mirallas. Several players were involved in the one touch passing move that ultimately led to the goal. However, it was the less than incredible finish from Barry that led to the three points for Everton. The 35-year-old has played in more than 700 league matches covering clubs like Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Everton. However, he has shown no signs of slowing down.

“He is a very clever player on the pitch. His passing is fantastic. If the team is compact he doesn't need to run a lot in distance, he can press, he can win tackles, he is aggressive and he was in the box and that surprised me.It did not surprise me because he was in the box but because at corner kicks he took his position.He is one of the best players I have managed in my teams because the cleverness of him in football is really of a high quality,” said Koeman.