Big players show up for big games.
Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby both scored in the FA Cup final as the Blues completed a first domestic treble.
It capped an impressive 2020-21 campaign with Kerr and Kirby finishing third and seventh respectively in the Ballon d'Or award.
In the third minute at Wembley, Kirby was running away, arms outstretched, celebrating with the fans in the corner after she put her team up.
"That was the best game of Fran's career," said Hayes.
I thought she was in charge. She got on the ball in dangerous situations and was also a real threat. She was a force throughout the game.
When she was taken out of the game in the second half, she hugged Kirby on the touchline and said she was a national treasure.
"She's been telling me what I was expecting and she delivered above and beyond," said Hayes.
England are preparing to host the European Championship next summer and Kirby's form is perfect.
Kirby has mostly been played in the middle by England boss Sarina Wiegman.
She's been playing a little bit lower in the middle for England and Serena is helping her develop more.
I thought everything she did was so dynamic because she was able to float in those key areas when she was playing off a strikers. She was going to score a goal every time she went forward.
The best goal scorer in the world.
The partnership of Kirby and Kerr has continued this season, with the pair leading the scoring charts in the Women's Super League.
Kerr has nine goals and three assists in eight games, and two of them were in the second half at Wembley.
"As far as I'm concerned, she's the best forward in the world and she displayed that when it mattered most," said Hayes.
She's full of confidence and she can do that after getting off a plane.
Champions don't look for anyone else to manage them. Sam is in charge when I listen to her and watch her perform.
She's in control of setting the standards for herself and that's what I like about her. She was not going to be on the losing team. She sets that tone in a way that I have never seen before.
We are fortunate to have her at the football club.
