“Mayo don’t do anything half pace or three quarter pace, they never slow down.”
If Jim McGuinness’ Donegal side in 2011 were the most defensive, negative and toughest team to break down, then James Horan’s Mayo side has to be the antithesis of that.
They are completely, solely and totally attack orientated in their approach, bombing forward, and racking up as many scores as they can possibly squeeze out of a 70 minute game.
They go from zero to 10 so quickly and everything they do is geared around getting the ball forward, with as many men forward as possible. If Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool play heavy metal football, then Mayo are a techno remix of that, with the lyrics and tempo sped up full max.
Speaking on the GAA Hour, Colm Parkinson said: ” They’re an incredible team to watch. You would be looking at the game and be like ‘how come we don’t see the stalemates at either end?’
“They’re a fantastic team to watch because they’re just all out attack.”
Former Cork forward Paul Kerrigan was also on the show and was equally impressed with Mayo’s style of play.
“They do everything at 100 miles an hour and at 100%, their support play, their tackling, everything,” said the Nemo Rangers man. “Keegan was very good yesterday and I thought he was a bit quiet last year.
“They go forward at 100%, but they mark 100% as well. They are well able to mark and the forward pressure is unbelievable. They’re a joy to watch. I think Clare let them have the ball a bit in the first half and they just went at them.”
Former All-Ireland winner, Alan Brogan was also full of praise for last year’s finalists, but he did spot some areas in which they could improve.
“We never doubted Mayo’s ability to attack and play football with the best of them – you seen them against Dublin, they’re probably the team that has given Dublin the most trouble over the years.
“Maybe they weined off a little the last year or two, but certainly over the last 10 years, they’ve been the team that’s caused Dublin the most trouble.
“I would like to see them show a little bit more control, close out the game a little bit better. I think they were 11 points at one stage and Clare got it back to three, which is a little worrying.”
Listen to the full discussion on the GAA Hour now.
