James Horan: Paudie Clifford is by a mile the best Gaelic footballer right now

Former Mayo manager Horan said Paudie Clifford is "absolutely the heartbeat" of this Kerry team. 

PHENOMENON: Paudie Clifford scored three points and assisted more for Kerry in their victory over Mayo on Sunday. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

James Horan believes Paudie Clifford's form makes him the best footballer in the country right now. The Fossa man was superb for Kerry on Sunday as they easily beat Mayo in the Division 1 final. He held possession on more than 40 occasions, scored three points and assisted at least 1-3.

"The influence Paudie Clifford is having on football matches, particularly in the last maybe four or five weeks, is off the charts," former Mayo manager Horan told Irish Examiner podcast The Gaelic Football Show.