Billy Joe Padden believes Brian Fenton has become the 'most complete midfielder' in 'a very long time' after another strong performance from the Raheny clubman in Dublin's weekend win over Kildare.
Padden was at Croke Park and was impressed by how Fenton won possession on both Dublin and Kildare's kick-outs.
"Cluxton has to go longer than normal with his kick-outs because of the 21-metre rule and you're just bringing the likes of Brian Fenton into the game. He was just exceptional and it's an area in the past where we said you could get at Dublin in midfield, they're not that physical in that area, but I'm not so sure that's the case any longer."
INPHO/James Crombie
Off The Ball presenter Nathan Murphy asked Billy Joe where Fenton's game has improved during his three years on the Dublin senior team.
"When he burst onto the scene he was a fantastic athlete at a young age, big and strong and covered every blade of grass. He was particularly dangerous in the All-Ireland Final against Mayo two years ago, ghosting in late and getting goal scoring opportunities.
"Maybe he didn't have the composure at the time and you could think he's an athlete with a knack for getting on the end of things but now I think he has absolutely everything. Defensively he's sound, he gets back, he tackles, he works hard. I think he's improved in the air and is an exceptional fielder now.
.@bjpadden11 thinks @dubgaaofficial 's Brian Fenton is the 'most complete midfielder we've seen in a very long time' #gaa #otb pic.twitter.com/znzukXOfvP
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) January 30, 2018
"To me he's really improved, the game intelligence, he reads the the game so well. If there's nothing on ahead, he'll play a sideways pass and retain possession. He'll back himself in a one-on-one and quite often he'll jink inside, powers through the gap and then has the composure.
"It's like watching someone in slow motion, a slow, deliberate strike and he nailed all three of the shots he had on Saturday night. They just floated over the bar with complete control and that's something he didn't have three years ago."
You can listen back to Billy Joe Padden and Mike Quirke on tonight's Off The Ball here
