Santiago Munoz's mere presence at Newcastle United has left the minds of football writers and social media enthusiasts absolutely boggling about the golden content that a 19-year-old Mexican Under-23 international could yet serve up after his 2021 deadline day move.
Munoz, not Munez, like the fictional character in the Goal movie trilogy doesn't mind comparisons with the 2005 film, starring Kuno Becker, who personally approved the teenager's loan move from Santos Laguna, in fact he hopes that he can be the real life version. Well at St James' Park last night it all felt very real as he caught the attention of Twitter followers and the 793 hardy souls that turned out to see him in action on the hallowed turf.
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OK, it wasn't quite as dramatic as the movie, in which Munez wins a penalty against Fulham before leading Newcastle to the Champions League later in the plot, but in terms of a game of football - sandwiched in the middle of what has been a dry international break - fans were treated to something good. Not only did Munoz score on his debut, but he also sparked a comeback win as United roared back from 2-0 down to win the game 4-3.
Overall Munoz looked tidy, dusted himself down when kicked and showed some quality touches throughout. He was also quite decent in the air scoring a well-taken header after timing his run perfectly.
Many will point out this is merely reserve team football in England but Munoz has done it in the Mexican Liga MX, scoring three times in 13 appearances and making three assists. Nothing fazed him after walking onto the big stage at St James' Park, and he handled the inevitable questions about the Goal movie with a smile.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said: "It's fun for me. I remember when I was little I saw the movie.
"And while it is fun, it is also something that motivates me. I have watched it and right now having seen the movie again, it motivates me to be living this life.
"Can I turn it into reality? Yes, it would be good.
"I feel very good but I hope that I can now motivate other kids and the story of the movie can become a reality."
Munoz has made barely a handful of appearances for the black and whites so far. And he will need to hit the accelerator if he is to survive at Newcastle.
Already, it is a different club to the one he signed for last August. Back then Munoz was one of United's gambles under Mike Ashley.
The former owner was often allured to the prospect of a signing that could one day be sold for millions, like the £1.5million move for Ayoze Perez which turned into a £30million windfall. But Saudi-backed United are big business now, they want a successful Academy but have the power to do sign fully-fledged international seniors now.
Nevertheless, prudent head coach Eddie Howe has taken the time to run the rule over Munoz in first-team training. And the teenager loved it.
Munoz said: "It's been a good experience so far, to get to know the first team players who are Premier League level. I am preparing to get to my best level and wait for my opportunity.
"That is the project we have. Firstly, I must be patient and I know that, I know I need to work but I am happy to work.
"I am on loan and hopefully it becomes permanent. I am enjoying every minute, the fans who come to the club, everything - I am so happy to be here."
But it hasn't just been about mixing with first-team stars such as Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron. Indeed, United want Munoz to experience the reality of what English football can be about. Munoz was thrown in at the deep end against North Shields in the Northumberland Senior Cup on a winter night on the banks of the Tyne.
The fact he emerged with a smile on his face and having enjoyed the occasion hopefully bodes well for the future.
Reflecting on the clash against the Northern League side, Munoz said: "It was a weird game for me really. I remember everything about it, the field, the other team but I enjoyed it and enjoy those type of games.
"To score a penalty in the shoot-out, great night and now we look forward to the cup final. Everything matters here. It's intense and it is different for me, after playing in Mexico.
"I am working to get used to it. But I like it a lot."
Munoz's header against West Bromwich Albion won't dominate the headlines for long in Newcastle. It's a nice moment for the teenager but attention is already switching to Friday night's Premier League 2 clash at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium as the challenge for a play-off spot continues.
For now, he looks back at his goal with pride, Munoz said: "I just went forward with the play, I saw the cross, just got up and knew where I had to put it.
"The previous games have given me opportunities. I just work hard in training, get fit and listen to the coaches.
"I am very happy with today's win and the confidence. At half-time, we talked about that (being 2-0 down).
"We needed a goal quickly and it proved to be the perfect moment."
At the end of the game against West Brom, Munoz waved to his friends and team-mates in the main stand at St James' Park. Sadly, his parents weren't there to see it but he will send them a video clip soon enough.
After a night that will live long in Munoz's memory, he wraps up the interview and says: "My parents are back in Mexico, but my first goal and the win is for my family."
Fans would love his story to mirror the Goal trilogy, but Munoz knows the only way for that to happen is by putting in the hard yards on the training field.
