It's brilliant that he has a natural athletic ability and I hope he continues to enjoy the game as I think for me personally that is something I have lost as a supporter and I don't think I'm alone in it.
The 'midfield general's role as anyone who loves football will tell you that it needs a certain amount of 'life' if I can put it that way. Roy Keane was a fabulous player but a slightly less hardcore role model might be Patrick Viera who was Keane's arch nemesis during his playing days.
It must be lovely to follow his progress as keenly as you appear to do. Great stuff.
P.s. I have just consulted my wife who is a football addict

and she claims Bryan Robson aka Captain Marvel is the best midfield general she has ever seen. He also played for Manchester United and was England captain. Another one for Google perhaps!