Louie Barry says it was flattering to be compared to Jamie Vardy by Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp, and he was informed his dad cried as he scored his first goal for Aston Villa against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Barry, a Villa player, is presently on loan at Stockport County, where he is playing brilliantly. The Hatters are now second in the table behind leaders Notts County after Barry has already scored seven goals this season. Barry has great expectations at Villa Park, as he immediately made an impression during his first senior game for the team in the FA Cup against Liverpool back in 2021.
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Barry’s goal tied the score at 1-1 against Klopp’s Reds, who went on to win 4-1 despite Villa’s starting lineup being sidelined due to Covid. This offered the young players an opportunity to perform against some great names, and Barry was the one who really connected with Klopp, who compared him to Vardy, the striker for Leicester City.
Barry spoke with the Daily Mirror about the similarities and the evening he scored his first goal for Villa, saying, “It was a great compliment for such a big coach to say that.” Since I play similarly to Jamie Vardy, I have always looked up to him, but it was encouraging to hear this from a respected figure like Jurgen Klopp.
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“My dad cried after I scored that goal, which is something I’ve never seen happen before. His bicep bears a tattoo that attests to his longtime passion for Villa.
Although Barry claimed he had plenty of offers to go out on loan this season, the 20-year-old’s move to League Two has paid off as he has scored seven goals in 14 appearances. Additionally, he declares that he plans to demote the Hatters.
“I had a few options to go on loan, but there was really only one option as soon as Stockport came up,” he stated. So far, it’s paid off like a dream. I knew the gaffer; I played against them last season, and the crowd was jumping. Since I’ve only been here for two months, I must continue.
“Villa is my club but the main focus now is to carry on doing well for Stockport because I’ve had a few loans in the past – some good, some OK and one or two learning experiences – and they all help to build you into the player you want to be.
“I don’t like looking too far into the future because the present can trip you up and anything can happen, so the focus remains unchanged: Let’s get this club promoted because they were so close last season.”
