Benjamin Pavard’s reputation remains on the rise at Stuttgart, and the 21-year-old defender admits he dreams of one day representing Barcelona or Real Madrid.
An extended stay in Germany would also appeal to the France international, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund the obvious picks for a move up in the Bundesliga.
For now, though, Pavard is prepared to be patient and let his future take care of itself.
He told Goal of his ambition: “Clubs like Barca, Real, Bayern or Dortmund, that's something to dream about, but I do not ask myself the question yet.
“I am in Stuttgart, I have a contract. There is an end of season to manage, the best position to secure, the national team too. We'll see what happens in the future.”
Pavard is not afraid to take bold decisions when it comes to furthering himself, with eyebrows raised when a highly-rated talent swapped life in his homeland at Lille for that at German second tier side Stuttgart in 2016.
He added on that decision being vindicated over the course of two productive years: “That's for sure, but we can only say it was a good choice with hindsight.
“People thought I was going to crash. Finally we won the title. I was good and I only made progress. I play games in the Bundesliga and everything is going very well.
“When you look at the Bundesliga you often only see Bayern or Dortmund.
“Stuttgart, of course, it's less of a dream. But for me, it's a very good club. The stadium is full every week. It is 60,000 fans. In the second division, it was 55,000. For me, and I also think for my team-mates, that is great.”
For now, Pavard’s focus is locked on excelling at club level and forcing his way into Didier Deschamps’ World Cup plans.
He already has two senior caps to his name and believes his versatility, as somebody able to operate across the back four, will work in his favour, rather than against him.
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Pavard added: “Whether I play right, left or as a centre-back, for me it's a little bit the same. A defender must first defend well.
“Of course, as a left or right back, I have to attack more, but for me, it's the same. I can play well in all these positions.
“For me it is not a problem. Before, there was Lilian Thuram who also played as a centre-back for his club and as a right back with the national team.
“I feel good as a centre-back, and I also enjoy to play on the right. So why not do the same as him?”
Thuram is a World Cup winner, so those are some big boots to fill.
Pavard is, however, excited about the prospect of gracing a global showpiece in Russia this summer.
He added: “For me, it's crazy. A few months ago, I did not really expect my first selection. Today, I am called again.
“I am really happy, it proves the confidence of the coach and I will do everything to repay him.”
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