Paul Mannion’s defensive display in both games with Tyrone deserves proper recognition

He may play in the full forward line, but don't get it twisted Paul Mannion is one of the hardest working players on the Dublin team.

We are used to seeing magic moments from the Kilmacud Crokes player close to the opposition's goals. Like his penalty on Sunday, sweet as a nut. https://twitter.com/TheSundayGame/status/1036266052965949440 It was penalty fit to grace any stage. He doesn't just score goals though, he can shoot from down town also. https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1028325568985608192 Mannion has become one of many superstars on this all conquering Dublin side. He may get all the plaudits for his attacking prowess, but the most impressive thing about Paul Mannion this season was his unrelenting work rate. Particular in defence. The attacker has defensive ability, and he is not afraid to use it. Ironically, in both championship meetings with Tyrone, the 25-year-old made last gasp tackles to prevent certain goals. It's not something you would associate with a corner forward, but Mannion did it... twice. Let's examine the first bit of heroic defence, this is from the Super 8 game in Omagh back in July. Tyrone play a long ball forward catching the Dublin defence out. Conor McAliskey bears down on goal, he only needs to trap the ball and he has a free shot at Cluxton. Surprisingly, Paul Mannion is the last man back and is tasked with chasing down his opposite number. Most forwards (and defenders) would panic at this point and in a desperate attempt to stop the goal end up committing a foul. Not Mannion though, he watches the flight of the ball, he studies McAliskey, he's patient. Mannion waits for the right moment and pounces. Textbook defending! The Kilmacud Crokes player retrieves possession and calmly hand passes out of defence setting up another Dublin attack. Mannion repeated this in the All-Ireland final. Rory Brennan has been assigned to mark the 25-year-old, early in the game though Brennan marauds forward looking to put pressure on the Dublin defence, Mannion tracks him. Once again, a ball is played over the top. Brennan looks like the favourite to claim it and stick it in the net. Mannion is cute though, he knows how to defend. He cuts of the space between Brennan and the ball... ... and makes sure he is the first one to it. Yet again, he calmly takes the ball out of defence before distributing it and setting up an attack. Textbook defending.. from the corner forward. Both passages of play highlight the determination, drive, and work rate that is in this Dublin team. Their need to win is palpable. On both occasions Paul Mannion was the last man back and both times denied Tyrone a goal. Most corner forwards wouldn't dream of finding themselves this close to their own goals. Paul Mannion isn't most corner forwards though, his will to win means he will work himself to the bone to get Dublin over the line, at both ends of the field.