Lloyd Dyer is in the best form of his career, insists Leicester City assistant manager Craig Shakespeare.
Dyer was in scintillating form as City demolished Ipswich Town 6-0 on Saturday.
The winger earned the penalty that set the home side on their way, scored one, and set up two more as he tore apart the Tractor Boys' defence .
Shakespeare worked with the 30-year-old when they were together at West Bromwich Albion, and was reunited with Dyer when he signed for City in 2008.
He insists this is the best football Dyer has played in his career.
"I have known Lloyd since he was a young boy at West Brom and he has matured," said Shakespeare.
"Over the last few weeks, in terms of performances, he is probably playing the best football of his career.
"He has got that one thing that all defenders are frightened of – pace. I think it is all right having the pace but it is knowing when to use it.
"He caused Ipswich and Bradly Orr a lot of problems. He was quieter in the second half but the damage was done in the first half.
"You can say Ipswich didn't defend well but I would like to compliment our boys because we made the pitch big and used it intelligently, and Lloyd's movement was very good.
"It is all right knowing what people are about but stopping them is a different thing."
Striker Martyn Waghorn was also in sparkling form and capped his performance with his first goal of the season.
Shakespeare was full of praise for the 22-year-old, who has come through a year-long battle with injury.
"Over the last few weeks he has been working really hard," said Shakespeare.
"He had a horrendous time with injuries over the last year. Sometimes people forget that, when you are out of football that amount of time, it does take its toll.
"The fans were singing his name during the game and not just when he came off, and I think he will appreciate that.
"Sometimes, as a forward, you can work hard but you are ultimately judged on your goals.
"You could see by the reaction of the players when he scored what they think of him as well."
Waghorn was joined on the scoresheet by substitute Marko Futacs, who got his first league goal of the campaign after spending the majority of the season so far on the bench.
Shakespeare added: "He hasn't had a lot of game-time but, ultimately, when you ask him to come on, you are asking him to make an impact and he did.."
Meanwhile, Paul Konchesky should be fit for Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday.
The defender returned to training last week after a hamstring injury but was not risked against Ipswich.
"He wasn't far away from playing," said Shakespeare.
"He joined in part of the training on Thursday but we felt he was too much of a risk."
Young Leicester City striker Jacob Blyth has joined Burton Albion on loan until January 12.
