Patrick McBrearty is in the form of his life and it's only February.
The Donegal forward was on the losing side tonight as Dublin just pipped Donegal today in Croke Park. It could have been significantly more straightforward for Jim Gavin's side if not for Patrick McBrearty.
Fresh from 0-10 and 0-09 in his first two league appearances, McBrearty was on fire in the second half as his wand of a left boot clawed Donegal back within a point.
Watch as Paddy McBrearty scores a point the acutest of angles. pic.twitter.com/iyAkiTSwGo
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 10, 2018
Not to be outdone, his brother Stephen also performed extremely well in midfield.
Stephen McBrearty with a super score for Donegal against Dublin. pic.twitter.com/mzjocaVrYt
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 10, 2018
As for Patrick, the Chíll Chartha finished today with 0-07 points.
Paddy McBrearty is awesome
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) February 10, 2018
Paddy McBrearty 👌
— Mark Farrelly (@MarkFarrelly131) February 10, 2018
Paddy McBrearty's left foot is like a radar 👏 #DubVsDon
— Ronan Fitzpatrick (Bomber) (@Ronanbomb1) February 10, 2018
Paddy McBrearty giving a kicking exhibition in this second half 👏
— Adam Haughney (@MunchMcLegend) February 10, 2018
Is there a better finisher in the gaa than mcbrearty #class
— brendan lynch (@nucksy86) February 10, 2018
McBrearty is a rare breed of inside forward in that once on the ball, the direction he heads in actually doesn't matter. Towards goal, sideline or backwards, all the 24-year-old needs is space to steer a ball over the bar.
Dublin dug deep when it mattered and remained calm in the face of building pressure as Donegal launched their comeback. It was Jim Gavin's younger players who really stood up to the plate, with Niall Scully and Colm Basquel excelling.
The result means Donegal have lost their opening three league games despite numerous positives within those performances. They were competitive away to Kerry and Dublin but now their next clash against Kildare becomes crucial if they are to retain any hope of avoiding relegation.
The final score was Dublin 0-20 Donegal 0-15.
