After turning down an off-season move to Europe, rising Western Sydney Wanderers star Nicolas Milanovic hopes the lessons learned from childhood hero Juan Mata can help him force his way into Tony Popovic's Socceroos squad.
The attacking midfielder enjoyed a breakout season in the A-League Men (ALM) last season, scoring nine goals and registering five assists.
That form led to him being linked with a move to Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb.
But Mount Druitt native Milanovic, who recently penned a contract extension with the Wanderers, says he only wants to leave his boyhood club with a trophy.
The 22-year-old has two of the best mentors to learn off if he wants to take the next step in his career with Milos Ninkovic now on Western Sydney's coaching staff.
Mata's arrival has also given him a new perspective with Milanvoic having to temper the excitement at getting the chance to play alongside one of his idols.
"No word of a lie, when I was a 10-year-old I had Juan's name on the back of my shirt because I'm a big Chelsea fan," Milanovic told AAP ahead of Saturday's home derby clash with Sydney FC.
"I was a big fan of Juan, Didier Drogba … I loved all those players so when he was signed and we became teammates I had to treat him as a teammate.
"But inside you're like, 'Man this is so cool'.
"I'm spewing I haven't got the shirt anymore and I've not mentioned that to him yet.
"But you can see his brain is next level, there's some things you can't teach - his touch, awareness and how he gets into space … we're lucky to have a player like him because I think he can help improve a lot of the young players."
Milanovic hasn't yet asked the Spaniard for a selfie but says he will and "hopefully with a trophy".
Mata has been impressed with Milanovic's application and believes the Wanderers youngster has the ability to take his game beyond the ALM.
"He's fearless … he's very powerful and when he's behind there aren't too many defenders who can catch him," Mata said.
"He has a lot of potential so hopefully he can have another good season and then let's see where he goes."
Milanovic hopes that progression can include a Socceroos call-up, with Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic suggesting this week that his young playmaker could go on to become a key player for the national team.
It's a dream Milanovic, who was part of the Olyroos set-up earlier this year, is desperate to see come true.
"That (a Socceroos call-up) is probably my main ambition, I exceeded my goals last year," Milanovic said.
"I want to be in the Socceroos before the (2026) World Cup and go to that World Cup.
"If I can perform here at club level then that will take me to the Socceroos."
The Sydney derby is the headline clash in Saturday's three ALM games, with new boys Auckland FC beginning life at home against Brisbane and Newcastle hosting Melbourne City earlier in the day.
On Sunday, Macarthur FC host Perth Glory and Western United are away to Wellington.
