It comes as no surprise that Nico Paz’s new jersey at Como is such a seamless fit. After all, there is something about Argentinians and the iconic No 10.

From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi, fingers point to one individual to pick up the mantle.

While it can weigh heavy on some shoulders, 20-year-old Paz has continued to glide around Serie A pitches this season, building on the reputation he so quickly built during his first campaign in Italy after arriving on the lake from Real Madrid.

His growth in confidence on the pitch is matched off, cutting a relaxed figure and chatting confidently in English with Destination Calcio as he reflects on the past 12 months that have propelled him into the consciousness of global football.

“It was a good season, I learned a lot, I improved a lot,” he says. “That gave me a lot of confidence. This year I am trying to continue – to give more than last year.”

Paz has already demonstrated his ability to deliver more. He ran the show in the opening game of the season at home to Lazio, setting up the first with a stunning through ball from his own half, before smashing home a free-kick that has been shared time and again across social media the world over.

It is not the numbers the attacking midfielder is interested in, however. For Paz, it’s about controlling the controllables.

“I never speculate numbers,” he says. “I try to improve every day, the little things, the little details, improving so that it means more – more goals, more assists, and I try to improve these kind of things. Those little details.”

Helping him improve those details is his boss. Cesc Fabregas has implanted himself as one of Europe’s most highly-regarded head coaches. Paz isn’t the only up-and-comer at the Stadio Sinigaglia.

Fabregas’s status stems from an incredible second half of last season, which saw Como break free from a relegation battle to soar into Serie A’s top 10. For Paz, there is no doubt about the individual driving their ambition.

“That for me is the most important thing – the confidence about a manager,” he says. “The confidence he gives to me and to all the players.

“You can see on the pitch that everyone is ambitious, is connected with confidence and that’s mostly down to the coach. He helps us a lot to be at our best.

“The second part of the season was very good and we would like to do something to improve what we did there.

“When we have new players, we have new projects. I think we can be a very good team this year and we are very excited to see where we can go.”

For Paz personally, there is only one direction of travel. With his reputation blooming, he was the subject of intense interest from the Premier League this summer, with Tottenham submitting two bids during the transfer window. Both were rejected by Como.

Despite the interest, Paz is more than happy where he is, having put down roots with those closest to him.

“I enjoy it a lot because I’m also with my family,” he says. “That is an important thing. The city is beautiful, the people are very good, very good with the players. And I’m very happy to live here.

“I’m adapted and I’m happy to stay here this year and maybe other years. I’m very, very happy.”

Those family ties were clear during the Como Cup – the club’s new pre-season tournament – with Paz celebrating with girlfriend Emma Ramirez following his side’s final success against Ajax.

The pair’s social media can often resemble a bespoke travel guide to Lake Como’s best view points and taking them in is something the team’s star attraction has not tired of.

“I like Bellagio,” he says. “It’s one hour away by car. Some restaurants from there have very good views.

“There are so many places that are very beautiful. I like the lake, as everyone does, but there are also some parts of the lake a little bit away that are also very beautiful. I’ve enjoyed it a lot this year.”