Carlos Baleba is not only here to come up with the figures, he chases the ultimate individual prize of football and wants to leave an indelible mark on the game.
The 21-year-old midfielder of Brighton is fully confidence and charm as he reveals his dream to reach the top of world football from his house in Hove after he invited me for an interview.
Baleba dreams of winning the Ballon d'Or and says that LOF from Declan Rice and inspiration from Rodri's success has convinced him that it is possible.
He told Sunsport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they all told me that I have it in me.
“I want to win the Ballon d'Or like Rodri.
“I saw him during the euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he stood right in front of me.
“It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.
“He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.
“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe that we can win the Ballon d'Or.”
Baleba already makes waves with its versions. This season, the Cameroonian is the only midfielder in Europe's top five competitions to register 30+ tackles, 30+ interceptions, 30+ clearings, 30+ take-es and 30+ air duels, a Stat-line that shows how complete his game is.
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His stock is rising rapidly and he has already been associated with Liverpool and Manchester City and Manchester United.
But for now, Baleba is aimed at developing and not on the rumor mill.
He said: “Yes, I can reach the top of world football.
“But I have to stay focused, stay calm, don't hurry and don't let what people get in mind. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just have to stay grounded.”
The journey of the Brighton star is downright remarkable so far. Only three years ago he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future.
When he finally got his breakthrough to Lille, Tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was suddenly and quickly. It is a pain that still drives him.
He revealed: 'It was very difficult for me because I didn't see my mother. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn't here.
“That's why the first season was really difficult. I thought a lot about her. But I sworn that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”
The Premier League is the dream destination for many young African players, but Baleba warns that it is not for anxiety.
“The intensity, if you don't run, you can't play in the Premier League. That is the truth. You must be willing to do the hard work.”
What strikes Baleba is not only his football, it is his effort to adapt to a new culture and language.
His English is still a work in progress, but he is proud of the steps he takes to settle, even if the British weather is not always his cup of tea.
“I think it's great here to be honest. My favorite English food is the English breakfast, if I can say so!.
“But the weather is the only problem, it always changes.”
Brighton hopes that Baleba can continue its meteoric turnout, in the footsteps of midfield stars such as Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma and Moises Caicedo.
All arrived as strangers, but left as stars. The Cameroonian is perhaps just the next of the conveyor belt of the Seagulls' midfield, and if he continues to dream large, he could go even further.