Adelaide United has resigned itself to losing Nathan Burns to a European team but is pleased his probable departure has sparked some stunning form with the club.
Burns, who's been linked to Norway's SK Brann, was the match winner in the Reds' 4-1 victory against Binh Duong at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.
He set up three goals in six minutes with his pace and evasive game coming to the fore.
The 19-year-old said he was happy with his performance and was glad United was one step closer to an Asian Champions League quarter-final berth.
"At the moment I'm feeling the best I've felt in a long time. I can really notice it out there when I can back up sprints to sprints," he said.
"I think we'll take a lot of confidence out of that win knowing the other teams had a draw so we are sitting on top. We are pretty much the team to beat, we've just got to make sure we get a result in China and we are pretty much there."
United coach Aurelio Vidmar was not surprised by Burns' efforts and said he didn't expect to see him at Hindmarsh Stadium next year.
"We'll more than likely lose him so when it happens it happens," Vidmar said.
"I think that's the type of game he can play and I think the 10 or 15 minutes he hit the afterburners, if you want to call it that, really opened the game up for us."
"When you look at the first pass he gave to Lucas (Pantelis) that was a magnificent pass and then he was involved in the next couple as well."
Travis Dodd was also full of praise for Burns after being gifted with two goals.
"He had an excellent game, almost every time he had the ball he dribbled at players, he was attacking players and that's the kind of player he is," he said.
"To be hitting that type of form for him, especially with the Olympics coming up, is fantastic and for Adelaide United as well with important games coming up."
Binh Duong coach Thuy Hai Le was not as generous with his comments but still recognised the teenager's game.
"I think No.10 is normal but he has good dribbling (skills) and good penetration," he said.
Burns is keen to help Adelaide progress to the next stage of the AFC Champions League but did admit his own performances could influence his future plans.
"Games like this do help. If I can pull out some better games like that then hopefully the offers and interest keep coming in," he said.
"You've always got to make your next game your best. Everyone remembers the last game so for young players I think it's important to be consistent because that's what the bigger teams take note of."