Benji Kimpioka is hoping to establish himself in the Sunderland first team after enjoying his breakthrough season on Wearside.
The talented young Swede made his first team debut last season and was regularly around Jack Ross' first team throughout the season.
He showed flashes of the quality that has previously attracted the interest of Arsenal in his nine first team appearances, although only two of them were starts - both coming in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The 19-year-old has just one year remaining on his Black Cats contract though and in wanting to avoid another situation like Josh Maja last season, chairman Stewart Donald has suggested he could be ostracised next season unless he commits his future to the club.
Kimpioka appears happy on Wearside though and told Swedish press of the season just gone: "A good year. You are never satisfied, always want to have more as a football player, but I take this year as a lesson for myself. Hopefully more will happen in the future.
"A good start. I am grateful for that."
If Kimpioka does commit his future to Sunderland then the dilemma will be whether to keep him around at the club, or loan him out to get regular football elsewhere.
Asked where he expects to be next season, Kimpioka says he would prefer to remain at Sunderland, but he will be only happy if he is playing.
He continued: "You get to see what happens. As it looks now, I remain in Sunderland, which I am happy about. As long as I play football I am happy."
Kimpioka was speaking after Sweden U21s 3-1 victory over Norway, in which he made a big impact from the bench.
Brought on in the second half with the score at 1-1, Kimpioka scored Sweden's second somewhat fortuitously as his shot was deflected past the helpless goalkeeper. He then set up the third with a brilliant touch for Viktor Gyokeres to finish and seal the result.
Inside Sunderland's Academy
Stuart Rayner was given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Sunderland's Academy. Here are the key stories and features.
Better than Liverpool
Better than Liverpool: How Sunderland's Academy is blazing a trail in football
We're so proud of Henderson and Pickford - but it's just the start
How Sunderland's Academy graduates are making the grade together
Why loan moves can be crucial for Sunderland's stars of tomorrow
From the head down
'From the head down rather than the feet up' - Sunderland's safety net is vital
Judgement comes every day for Sunderland's youngsters - dealing with that is crucial
Sunderland Acacdemy role models don't have to take the Premier League route
Evolution
How Sunderland are at the forefront in the evolution of coaching juniors
Four key principles - but flexibility is the key for Sunderland's Academy
It's not just football - why focus on education and psychological needs is growing
Why
Forget the league table - this is why Sunderland's academy have had a good season
'The academy players probably get more scrutiny' - Sunderland's Lynden Gooch
Premier League poachers provide biggest threat to Sunderland's academy
What Sunderland's first team want from the Academy - and how they deliver