His rise to the top has been like no other.
For Kieffer Moore, his endless studying of the game is well and truly paying off. The former lifeguard and personal trainer completed a significant hat-trick this summer by helping Bournemouth reach the promised land of the Premier League in addition to playing a key role as Wales qualified for a first World Cup in 64 years.
Those achievements were sandwiched by an engagement to girlfriend Charlotte Russell, although, even after what has proven to be an immense period for the frontman, Moore's willingness to absorb every shred of useful information possible has ensured his career remains on an upward trajectory.
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Indeed, the striker has netted five goals for club and country this term and has been a vital cog in Bournemouth's improvement in the top-flight following the early sacking of Scott Parker.
“I am feeling very good," said Moore. “I have five goals altogether and it is going really well.
“It is never easy when you lose a manager so early in the season. But I think Gary O’Neil has done a terrific job and we have picked up some good points. My own form, I am scoring goals and enjoying myself."
And on life in the big time, Moore explained: "I wouldn’t say it surprised me. I knew what I was going into. I spent years studying the league and looking essentially at what defenders do and don’t like.
“I knew I had to be of a certain type and aggression that defenders don’t really like. I think in that short space of time of me being in the Premier League I feel like I have improved already.
“That is what I am about really. I like to keep improving and always think I can learn and do more and I want to more."
Far more than merely a towering target man, Moore's willingness to do the dirty work on the pitch in addition to his ability in possession makes him a more than useful weapon in Rob Page's artillery.
Few have been more potent in front of goal for Wales than Moore since the attacker made his international debut against Belarus little more than three years ago. His record of nine goals in 28 appearances for his country makes for hugely encouraging reading ahead of Wales' Qatar adventure.
Casting his eye over the world's greatest talents, most notably Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has undoubtedly been a worthwhile process for the forward.
“I think it is a bit of a rarity now. You see players who impose themselves on people and I think it kind of makes it unique," he said. “You can dominate the person you are coming up against in a certain kind of physical and aggressive way.
"One that springs to mind is Zlatan. You can see the physical prowess he holds and the way he holds himself and his character and the way he plays football. Especially from his early years you kind of would have probably looked at him and thought he is big and strong and maybe a one dimensional player.
“But he is so much more than that and is technically amazing. I aspire from that because I didn’t want to be a one dimensional player, I didn't want to be this big lump who can’t move and have the ball to his feet.
“I wanted to not be so much in the same mould but I like to watch Zlatan. I have watched countless videos of virtually every striker worth watching. I like to analyse a lot of other people to see if that can help me.
“I feel like I have learned a whole lot of stuff from those videos and understanding what different people do and the ways they go about their game."
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Moore is only too aware of the mayhem he can inflict on opponents thanks largely to his stature. It's an issue that has its drawbacks though, with the forward regularly falling foul of match officials - particularly in Europe.
Nevertheless, he is only too willing to put his body on the line for the good of Wales' cause, with Terry Butcher-esque photos of Moore's patched up head testifying to that.
And having proven he is capable of being the main man in the red of Wales, Moore admits he will gladly increase his scar collection if it proves fruitful for his country.
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“For my sake I hope no (gain more scars) but of course that is what I am about - putting my all to the cause and I am not afraid to put my body on the line for this nation," he said. "I love playing for Wales and it really is the biggest honour of my life.
“I am happy to put my body on the line and if it means the difference of taking someone down or scoring a goal I will do it every time."
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