Matildas coach Joe Montemurro reckons Alanna Kennedy has the potential to become one of the world's best holding midfielders following the veteran's star showing in the 2-1 smash-and-grab win over North Korea.
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Australia secured their spot in the Women's Asian Cup semi-finals courtesy of Kennedy's ninth-minute wonder strike and Sam Kerr's second-half goal in front of 16,466 fans in Perth on Friday.
Kennedy is a centre back by trade, but has thrived as a deep-lying midfielder at the Asian Cup and has now scored a whopping five goals for the tournament.
Not bad for a player who was largely written off following her red card in a 3-0 loss to England last October.
"I read a few things that she was finished after the England game," Montemurro said.
"She's come into this tournament playing at London City ... as a centre back.
"My coaching staff said to me, 'What are you doing playing (her) as a number six?'
"I'm so happy and proud of her in the steps that she's taken."
Even more exciting for Montemurro is his belief that there is still plenty more growth in the 31-year-old.
"I think as a six (defensive midfielder) she could be world class, and she's showing that at the moment," he said.
"Once she is confident in herself in tight areas, in her ability to solve those problems in tight areas as a midfielder where it's congested, I think she'll be one of the best in the world. That's my honest opinion."
Kennedy is now in contention to win the tournament's golden boot award, joking it was something that hadn't been on her or anyone else's "bingo card".
At first glance, a 2-1 win over a North Korean unit ranked No.9 in the world looks impressive.
But Australia were somewhat lucky to come away with the win considering North Korea unleashed 21 shots to four and enjoyed 62 per cent possession.
Australia, who nailed their only two shots on target, will take on either China or Taiwan in Tuesday night's semi-final at Perth's Optus Stadium.
Montemurro ranks North Korea as the best team in the tournament - even better than world No.8 Japan - and he was happy with the way the Matildas were able to handle the heat on Friday night.
"Winning football games like that, it usually sort of happens in tournaments," said the former Juventus women's coach.
"I mean, I've done it a few times like that in Champions League.
"In the game against Chelsea, we got a draw, and they had 450 million shots and we had one. That's tournament football."
Vice-captain Steph Catley and star winger Hayley Raso both missed the win over North Korea due to concussion, and it remains to be seen whether they'll be fit for Tuesday's semi-final.
Kaitlyn Torpey excelled at left back in Catley's absence, with the 25-year-old earning widespread praise after the match.
Australian Associated Press
