Keisuke Honda the driving force behind a Victory masterclass

Keisuke Honda has warned A-League rivals that the Melbourne Victory can get better after a 4-0 win over the Wanderers.

Victory’s Keisuke Honda celebrates after scoring during the match against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Getty Images

Keisuke Honda is everything you want in a marquee player — absolute class, exquisite skill and extraordinary vision.

But above all, he is a leader, a winner and a player who believes there is always more to give both on and off the field.

We saw it on Saturday at Marvel Stadium when it was noted that the Japanese superstar was urging his goalkeeper to play the ball out quickly to him in the 92nd minute.

OK, that’s nothing unusual, except that Victory were 4-0 up against a broken and beaten Western Sydney. But when some players might be coasting in the knowledge the job is done, Honda was the proverbial Energiser bunny.

It’s what defines him and separates the great players from the good. Like he does on the field, Honda is always thinking ahead. He knows it's a long season and he wants to leave nothing to chance as Victory chase a second straight A-League championship.

On the evidence of the Wanderers drubbing and the fact they are now on a four-game winning streak, there’s every reason for Victory’s fans to feel confident of another title coming their way.

Honda, however, refuses to get complacent and he wants more from the team.

“I think that is what we have to change, that is what I want to change about the team,” he said, when interviewed by Fox Sports at fulltime.

“We shouldn’t be satisfied, even (when) we are 4-0. It doesn’t matter to me about the result, it is important how we make people happy here.

“Football is entertainment and supporters want to be happy even in extra minutes.

“We have to score, be aggressive, that is what I want.”

While coach Kevin Muscat has played the cagey game, suggesting he doesn’t know how much better his side can get, Honda has no doubts whatsoever.

“I am not satisfied yet,” he said. “I think we can get better. Today I scored and the team scored four goals, but also we made a lot of mistakes. On the other hand, I don’t think we played better because they (the Wanderers) didn’t play well. So we have to change our minds against Adelaide (next week), otherwise it will be a tough game.”

With four goals, three assists and 13 shots (nine on target) already this season, Honda’s stunning impact is there for all to see. He is well on the way to repaying the $3 million spent on bringing him to Australia.

The way he is going, Honda has the Johnny Warren Medal for best player in the A-League at his mercy, even if the season is only six weeks old.

If there is any pressure on him as the star marquee of the national competition, then he isn’t showing it. Honda is taking everything in his stride, from the numerous media commitments to his interaction with the fans, to his football.

“To be honest, I’m not thinking about it,” he said. “I don’t feel the pressure. I am enjoying playing soccer with my teammates and also enjoy working with Kevin and the players. My life so far is so comfortable and important for me and my family.”

Honda opened the scoring against the Wanderers with a superb header after just 11 minutes and that set the tone for the rest of the game as Victory produced a footballing clinic against a desperately outclassed side.

The game was as good as over by halftime with the home side 3-0 up after follow-up goals from Raul Baena and Kosta Barbarouses.

Victory were not as emphatic in the second half but the impressive Terry Antonis popped up with a fourth goal to seal what was their best performance of the season.