The debate regarding Wes Hoolahan's inclusion in the Irish team has long since gone past a debate regarding solely his selection; the inclusion of Wes is a kind of mode of thinking: that the Irish can play, when we want to. There's a kind of majesty in Wes, that a diminutive Irishman can glide around a football pitch with the ball stuck to his feet in easy contemplation.
Irish fans could exult in another piece of Hoolahan sorcery yesterday afternoon, as Hoolahan twisted the blood of Rotherham defenders before finally slotting home a goal to help ensure a 3-1 victory, sending the Canaries to the top of the Championship in the process.
Here it is, in all its intricate beauty.
When the ball comes near the area, Wes comes alive
He ghosts into the space between defenders...
...and is already a move ahead in his head. What a turn!
The turn leaves the hapless defender skating away in the wrong direction
Now he's about to pull the trigger....
...but instead sends another defender out for the Herald for good measure
And then nonchalantly rolls it home
Heck, here it is in full flow via incredible slo-mo footage:
THAT goal from Wes! 🎥⚽️ #ncfc pic.twitter.com/dexpl4ZCTT
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) October 16, 2016
Sometimes when I watch Wes Hoolahan I pinch myself to make sure it is actually real what I'm seeing. He does things others can't dream of
— Jack Reeve (@JackReeveTNC) October 15, 2016
If Wes Hoolahan was 24 and not 34 and playing as well as he is, he'd be a £50m player. Late developer.
— Dan O'Hagan (@danohagan) October 15, 2016
Nice one, Wes.
We can play when we want.
