Anthony Gordon wants to venture into psychology when he hangs up his football boots.
The Newcastle star has only just turned 23, recently making the step up to the England senior team after starring for the Under-21s. But it appears he already has an old head on young shoulders.
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Gordon spoke to Manchester United legend Gary Neville on the latest version of The Overlap, with the pair strolling around Whitley Bay near Newcastle as they took a deep dive into the youngster's career.
As well as revealing his dream dinner party guests would involve Donald Trump, the former Everton star also revealed what he'd want to do for a living after his football career - and it's not a common choice.
Speaking about the concept of leadership in football, he said: "I was speaking to some close friends about this recently, because I feel my calling after football may have something to do with that – whether that be through football and management, or through the psychology route.
"That may be my end goal – I’m not too sure yet, but I’m so invested in that stuff that it surely has to come to fruition at some point.
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"As a footballer, I lead by example rather than being a big speaker, I’m very quiet in the dressing room."
Gordon had been spotted being taught how to take professional photos before Newcastle's 4-0 win over Tottenham earlier this month.
However, it seems psychology, rather than photography, is that path that's calling Gordon's name - so much so, it's having a positive impact on his match preparations.
"My preparation for a match will start two days before – three days will be set out to the minute," he said. "Thursday night, I’m fully switched on.
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“I try not to think too much about the game, it’s more so that I do a lot of meditation, visualisation, so that if a chance comes I feel like I’ve already lived it – all I have to do then is be present and trust my ability rather than overthink it.
“I’ll visualise my opponent – I know what they’re going to do, what their habits will be.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon reveals his bizarre three-person dinner party list to Gary Neville which includes Donald Trump, Diego Maradona and Ricky Gervais
"If I’m playing against a full-back who’s running – if he does a one-two around me, I’m going to put myself in that position of being tired and getting back, so that in the game it’s a lot easier.”
He continued: “It [preparation] is more of a coping mechanism for how to handle pressure of playing.
"That’s where the meditation and visualisation just allows me to react from a higher perspective than my own emotions. Being emotional is not the best – it’s no good in sports.
“It’s not how you’d perceive it to be with your legs crossed, it’s just sitting in a room on your own, with no noise if possible, closing your eyes and getting in touch with your body through breathing, and letting the game run.
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"I start by arriving at the stadium, going through the warm-up, through the game, and ultimately trying to see how I want to feel after that game – and what I need to do to achieve that."
Despite playing for Everton at youth and senior level, it's a star of rivals Liverpool that inspired him to read into the psychology behind sports stars' success.
He said: "My confidence comes from my preparation. I don’t know where it comes from, I wouldn’t say anyone round me is anything like that.
“I just love learning stuff, and throughout my years growing up, I’ve taken a liking to learning about psychology.
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“There may be people who do the same thing as me, there may be loads who just haven’t spoken about it.
“Some footballers like to think less, just turn up and play and trust their instincts. I just love the mindset of getting myself in that place before I’m already there.
“I saw [Mohamed] Salah talk about it – that’s where I took even more interest, because I see him as an absolute machine and a winner.
"People like that, you’re not going to go too far wrong following what they do."
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Gordon has had a much-improved season following his initial half-campaign for Newcastle after signing from Everton for £45million last January.
He's already netted 11 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions, a world away from his one goal for the Magpies last season.