Melbourne Heart midfielder Nick Kalmar has been lavished with praise by head coach John van 't Schip.

The 22-year old has been impressive in his first twelve A-League matches after being picked up by the Heart from Victorian Premier League club Oakleigh Cannons.

Yesterday, Kalmar scored the opening goal in the Heart's 2-0 away win over Newcastle Jets with a spectacular side volley, but it was his overall performance which had van 't Schip singing his praises.

"Nick has been important for us from the beginning and he has scored three goals for us and today he scored a beautiful goal," van 't Schip said.

"He has a sense for the goal which is why he is playing in that position and we, of course, are very happy with him."