Pep Guardiola has said Philipp Lahm is "one of the five best players" in Bayern Munich's history after the former Germany captain struck the first brace of his career in the 6-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen.
Guardiola made use of Lahm's tactical versatility again on Saturday, moving the former full-back up the pitch into an attacking role in front of Xabi Alonso in holding midfield.
The 30-year-old vindicated Guardiola's switch by scoring twice to take his total tally to 12 goals in 321 Bundesliga appearances in a man-of-the-match performance.
#Lahm on the win and his two goals: "Whoever bet on me scoring twice is a very rich person." #FCBSVW pic.twitter.com/12u4Oxh2WN
- FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) October 19, 2014
"That's my first brace since I was a youth, so it's definitely special," Lahm told reporters. "My instructions were to play a more attacking role. I don't know if it will be my last brace, but I think that could very well be the case."
Guardiola -- who in the past called Lahm the "most intelligent player" he has ever coached -- was one of many to praise him following the game, which was also the 200th Bundesliga win of his career.
"I'm thrilled for Philipp," he said. "I believe he's one of the five best players in the history of Bayern Munich. It's a great honour to be his coach."
The Bayern boss then joked: "I'm a bit disappointed -- I wanted to see a hat trick. Maybe I'll leave him out of the next match!"
Lahm -- named man-of-the-match by German football magazine kicker -- was also praised by teammates Manuel Neuer and Franck Ribery.
Neuer told reporters: "He's often made his way into the box from the defensive midfield position of late, but it somehow didn't work out with scoring. But we're all delighted Philipp has now struck a brace."
Ribery, who came off the bench against Bremen, added: "It's great for him. He's been such an important player for this team for so long."