Russell Martin admits he has been left surprised by Joel Piroe's stunning impact since joining Swansea City following his talks with the Dutchman earlier on in the campaign.
The striker was signed from PSV Eindhoven prior to Martin's arrival at the club but has swiftly established himself as the Swans' most productive marksman.
Piroe netted his 15th goal of the season to help earn Swansea a 2-0 win over West Brom at The Hawthorns Stadium on Monday night.
And Martin could not hide his delight with the efforts of the player since the pair's frank talks back in August.
"He's playing a different role to try and get them both [Piroe and Michael Obafemi] into the team to try and increase our goal threat," said Martin.
"When we score first we have a brilliant record. Joel Piroe I thought was fantastic, out of possession he did a brilliant job for us. He's playing a different role to what he ever has done, he's playing in a midfield really.
"Wherever he plays he's just a brilliant boy.
"I think it's gone very differently to how I thought it was going to go with Joel in the first week.
"He's shown big character, and when he gets a chance you expect him to score such is the quality he possesses.
"He has a huge future in the game, and hopefully we get the chance to work with him for a long time and keep improving him.
"The first chat we had, and I think Joel will tell you, it wasn't an overly positive one.
"There's a certain level of intensity we expect that he didn't bring in the first week or two. I've been honest about that, and so has Joel.
"He came from a very different culture where the expectation and style of play is really different, and the minute he switched on and realised it could really suit him, he's been incredible.
"It was about giving him clarity and wow, he's been huge. You can see how much the supporters love him, but I still think there's a lot more to come from him."
Piroe was one of several star performers for the Swans who earned their first away success since November in beating the Baggies.
Hannes Wolf notched an assist for Cyrus Christie on his return to the side after missing the Sheffield United loss due to a hamstring injury.
Prior to the clash in the Midlands, football was rocked by the news that Wolf's Borussia Mönchengladbach team-mate Jordi Bongard tragically died in a car crash.
And Martin says he had immense pride over the way Wolf performed following what has been a tough period for the Austrian.
"Hannes has had a really tough week. He's lost a team-mate in Mönchengladbach," added the head coach.
"I asked him if he was OK to play. It's been really tough for him. I had that when I was 21 at Wycombe.
"We've had a few chats and the guys have got around him incredibly well.
"For him to produce that performance tonight takes a hell of a lot of character. He was fantastic, a machine, in the second half especially.
"He's getting better and better in a different role to the one we probably envisaged him playing in. I'm really proud of him as I am the rest of the players."
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