Gareth Barry reveals the young Everton stars who can spark a new era at Goodison Park

Gareth Barry believes Everton's young stars can fire them to League Cup glory

GARETH BARRY reckons Everton's Fab Four can spark a glittering new era at Goodison Park.

 

Two decades after Joe Royle's 'Dogs of War' won the FA Cup, Roberto Martinez's side have set their sights on winning the Capital One Cup for the first time in the club's history.

And they are being inspired by a quality quartet of young guns Barry reckons are the best in the business.

Gerard Deulofeu emerged the hero of Everton's 2-0 win at Middlesbrough, scoring a stunning opener before creating Romelu Lukaku's sixth goal in his last five games. And fellow youngsters Ross Barkley and John Stones have become key figures in their side's re-emergence this season.

 

Romeu Lukaku now has over 50 Premier League goals despite still being just 22

At 22, Lukaku is the oldest, Barkley is 22 on Saturday while both Stones and Deulofeu are still 21. And according to Barry, who was playing Premier League football when the four of them were at primary school, they have not just come of age but are leading the Everton charge.

"I can't think of four better young players at the same club, when you are talking about four regular starters who are consistently producing," he said.

"They are scoring goals, making assists and you can tell with the aura they've got on the pitch how much they are enjoying it.

"Of course, they need to keep learning along the way but it is important they don't lose that swagger.

 

"I'm not going to build them up too much but if they keep performing the way they are, they will be special players."

Deulofeu's dazzling footwork and extraordinary series of stepovers leading up to Everton's second goal on Teesside were the highlights of a classy Everton performance which takes them into the League Cup's last four for the first time in eight years.

And Barry has noticed a big difference in the gifted Spaniard since his first spell at Everton, on loan from Barcelona.

"He has matured," said Barry. "None of them have let anything go to their heads. They don't let success affect them.

 

Gareth Barry believes Gerard Deulofeu has matured since his last spell with the club

"That first loan of Gerard's was tough but he's come back to a club that he knows, with players he knows and he is confident straight away. He knows this is his time to do it."

Unlike most of his team-mates, Barry has won silverware, during his time at Manchester City, but would love nothing better than to have success with Everton.

He added: "For me, that would be a special thing - to be at a club that has waited so long.

"We all want to be part of the first group that wins something and then kick on and win a few more. We won't get ahead of ourselves but it is getting closer and closer."