Carlo Ancelotti praised Thomas Muller's intelligence and versatility in Bayern Munich's come-from-behind victory over Mainz on Friday.
The defending champions recovered from the shock of falling behind after only four minutes to win 3-1 and move back to the top of the Bundesliga.
Jhon Cordoba had fired the hosts into a surprise early lead on the counter-attack, but Robert Lewandowski equalised just four minutes later.
The returning Arjen Robben nodded Bayern ahead with a rare header on 21 minutes from Muller's pinpoint cross, before the Poland striker put the result beyond doubt in the final minute with a sublime free kick to seal his fourth consecutive league brace in Mainz.
"Muller played well," Ancelotti said at the news conference after the game. "I've always said he's a very intelligent player, who can play in any number of number of positions up front."
Without a goal in 11 Bundesliga games, Muller has languished predominantly out on the right-hand side in Ancelotti's preferred 4-3-3 this season. With Robben and Franck Ribery cutting in from the wings, the Italian moved Muller to a more central role in support of Lewandowski in a new system.
Ancelotti added: "Muller changed his position, but I am happy with all the forwards, in the first half, they showed good combinations together.
"It was a difficult game, but it's a good result. It was important to win here, we played against a difficult team and it's always hard to win in Mainz."
Muller told reporters: "After the initial shock, offensively we were good especially in the first half. Our intensity was just right, it was fun today."
150 #Bundesliga appearances! �� Congratulations on reaching that incredible milestone, @ArjenRobben! �� #M05FCB
➡️ https://t.co/t4LBeqrkg2 pic.twitter.com/E6h5TknO44
- FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 2, 2016
Restored to the starting lineup after recovering from injury, Robben also played a pivotal role with a goal and assist on his 150th appearance.
And Robben echoed Muller's sentiment: "We haven't played like we did in the first half for weeks. As a player that was really a great deal of fun.
"We showed a lot of movement and surprised our opponents. I think this element of surprise has been lacking in recent weeks.
With the precious three points, Bayern overtake surprise leaders Leipzig on goal difference, who play Schalke on Saturday.