Sam Kerr has been described as "a credit to Australia" by Chelsea manager Emma Hayes following her match-winning performance in the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
The Matildas captain scored twice and was named Player of the Match on Sunday as Chelsea beat Arsenal 3-0.
"So many wondered how Sam would cope in the English game. As far as I am concerned she is the best striker in the world," said Hayes.
"She is courageous, she is full of confidence. She's a superb athlete and an amazing human.
"And she can do that after getting off a plane from Australia on Thursday...
"She did not have a good night's sleep last night but she just brushes things off. Champions do not make excuses, or become victims, or look for anybody else to manage them."
Hayes, Chelsea manager since 2014, during which time they have won 10 major honours, added: "Sam takes responsibility.
"She is in control of making sure she sets the standards for herself and that's what I admire about her. There was no way she was going to be on the losing team today.
"She sets the tone in such a way that I've rarely seen. She is a huge credit to Australia, and we are extremely lucky to have her here at this football club."
Broadcaster Fara Williams, who won 172 caps for England and World Cup bronze, said: "Sam Kerr had plenty of chances and a player lacking in confidence wouldn't have come out in the second half and delivered what she did.
"She scored two fantastic goals and arguably two goals that were the hardest to take out of all of her chances."
Kerr, who became the first Australian woman to score in a Wembley final, admitted herself: "I think we deserved it, we played really well.
"We have been playing really well the last few weeks, we kinda went in as underdogs, so we had a point to prove. Yeah, we're buzzing."
Australian Associated Press
