Sam Kerr has been described as the complete centre-forward package by Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes after the Matildas captain scored twice to earn a 3-2 win over Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup final.

“She is ridiculous,” Hayes said.

“She’s got the lot. She’s got character, she’s got charisma, charm, she’s got courage in her play. We’ve got an amazing centre-forward.

“There was a moment in the game when I thought, ‘she looks knackered’ but she just digs and digs and digs and digs and digs.”

Hayes added of Sunday’s extra-time period, in which Kerr scored the decisive goal, “I always felt, ‘give Sam one chance, just give her one chance’,”

Kerr’s brace completed a second extraordinary season in England season for the Australia captain. She won a second successive Women’s Super League golden boot, scoring 20 goals in 20 games, six clear of her nearest rival. She was voted Football Writers’ Association women’s footballer of the year and is favourite to win goal of the season for her title-clinching volley against Manchester United.

Kerr added another seven goals in cup competitions including three in finals to make it eight goals in four English domestic decider, three of them won.

“WE DID THAT!!,” Kerr posted on Instagram after the dramatic contest at Wembley Stadium.

Hayes also praised Kerr for the job she did preventing City’s defence, including Australia’s Alanna Kennedy, playing the ball out from the back.

It was an aspect noted by England international Izzy Christiansen, a former WFA Cup winner with Manchester City.

“The athleticism and hunger and desire, the desire to put yourself on the line and do anything you can for your team,” the BBC television match pundit said.

“The job Sam Kerr does off the ball for the team is remarkable. To have someone like that in your team is amazing.”

By Glenn Moore in London