Jim Mallinder heaped praise on Nemani Nadolo after the Fijian wing produced a man-of-the-match performance in Montpellier's 26-17 win over Northampton in the Champions Cup.
Nadolo scored two tries and set up another to condemn Mallinder's Saints to yet another defeat in what has been a nightmare European campaign.
Nadolo's brace, plus efforts from Kelian Galletier and Jacques Du Plessis, gave the French side a bonus-point success that means they can still make the quarterfinals as one of the three best runners-up, if results go their way on Saturday.
Mallinder said: "It's hard to reflect -- that's something that takes a bit of time -- but I'm thinking about that performance and we had quite a few young lads in there up against a quality side.
"I think we did pretty well, to be honest. We had a few chances, and in the second half we probably didn't win enough ball, and there was one outstanding performance from Nadolo. I thought he was absolutely on fire today, so a lot of credit has to go to him and the way he played."
Already-eliminated Northampton scored tries through captain Lee Dickson and replacement Tom Kessell, but in Nadolo they found a man they could not stop.
Nadolo said: "We had to win tonight and we've got our confidence back. I'm improving week in, week out and I'm playing with some of the best in Europe.
"It probably wasn't my best game, but one I'm pleased to help the team get a result in."