Everton's attack has been a source of frustration all season, with misfiring strikers Thierno Barry and Beto holding the club back from European qualification. The Toffees' tally of 44 goals is the lowest among any team in the top 10—a stat that surely keeps manager David Moyes up at night. But Monday night's thrilling clash against Manchester City offered a glimpse of a solution that might already be in plain sight.

Young French striker Thierno Barry delivered a statement performance, scoring twice after replacing Beto against the title-chasing Citizens. His brace, combined with Jake O'Brien's goal, put Everton 3-1 ahead before City's late fightback denied them all three points. While the 23-year-old has faced criticism in recent weeks, his explosive cameo showed exactly why he deserves to be the focal point of Everton's attack moving forward.

Beto has had his moments this season, but his dreadful display against Pep Guardiola's side was a glaring reminder of his inconsistency. Moyes stuck with him until after the hour mark, but many fans wondered why he wasn't replaced at halftime. With 24 goals in 108 appearances for Everton, Beto's record simply doesn't stack up for a club with European ambitions. By contrast, Barry proved he can trouble even the Premier League's elite defenses.

Barry's physicality is his greatest weapon—he set a Premier League record with 14 aerial duels won against Manchester United in November. His overall stats are similar to Beto's, but at 23, he's five years younger and still developing. Beto, supposedly in his prime, has rarely shown he can lead the line for a team chasing Europe. While his recent four goals against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool have earned some praise, it's Barry who offers the long-term promise Everton desperately needs.

For a club looking to build something special, the message is clear: it's time to build the attack around Barry. His hunger, physicality, and ability to rise to the occasion make him the striker Everton can count on for years to come.