How Dublin can adapt to get more out of their central man

The evolution of the midfielder has always been a delicate balance, with defensive cover as vital as attacking potency.

CENTRAL MAN: PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month for May in hurling, Brian Hayes of Dublin, with his award at PwC offices. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile.

The progression was like a Ferrari finding another gear at every straight. A decent club hurler, a county champion, a county panellist and now a cornerstone in the team. Brian Hayes has lit a spark with Dublin. He was what they sorely needed.

The Kilmacud Crokes clubman was part of a gifted generation that progressed together, but he never featured at minor or under-20 for Dublin. That exclusion led to an internal burn, a point to prove.