Everton

Gareth Barry lauds Gerard Deulofeu potential

By Matt Cotton, Reporter | 02 December 2013

Gareth Barry says that Gerard Deulofeu still has a lot to learn about the Premier League but has shown that he can be a key player for Everton.

Gareth Barry has insisted that Gerard Deulofeu has only shown a glimpse of what he is capable of in the Premier League following Everton's win at the weekend.

The striker, who is on loan from Barcelona, scored the opening goal and put in an impressive display as the Toffees romped to a 4-0 win over Stoke City at Goodison Park on Saturday.

"We have seen it all season in training but he's had to be patient and wait for his chance because a lot of other players have been doing well too," Barry told the media. "He is so difficult to mark one on one, he loves getting at players and has a lot of pace and he made it difficult for his full-back.

"You can give yourself a yard but he has the pace to make it up. He will be difficult to play against and the more he gets his chances I am sure he will improve again. Anyone who has come through [Barcelona's] ranks is going to have some real quality about them: the fans are starting to see that now and I am sure there is more to come.

"There is still a lot that Gerard will have to learn coming up against different opposition but it's been a fantastic start for him."

Everton face Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday.