Four years ago Joe Rodon was a rookie hoping for a taste of his first World Cup. On Thursday he wants to help lead an expectant Wales back to another.
No Welshman has ever played in two World Cups, but Rodon - like Leeds United club-mates Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James - is part of a big group who can do just that if they can overcome Bosnia Herzegovina in Cardiff on Thursday, then win at home to Northern Ireland or an Italy side under huge pressure to reach their first finals in 12 years on Tuesday.
In the March 2022 play-offs, players like Rodon could lean on Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, who scored all three of their goals against Austria and Ukraine. The feel this time is totally different for Rodon, and his team as a whole.
"Me and Ethan were chatting about this the other day, the expectations have changed now," says Rodon.
Joe Rodon of Leeds United controls the ball whilst under pressure from Mathias Jensen of Brentford during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brentford at Elland Road (Picture: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)placeholder image
Joe Rodon of Leeds United controls the ball whilst under pressure from Mathias Jensen of Brentford during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brentford at Elland Road (Picture: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
"Since the players paved the way for us with the unbelievable tournament in 2016 (when Wales reached the semi-finals of their first European Championship) it's just gradually got bigger.
"Wales are in that kind of bracket now where there is more pressure. You kind of expect to qualify for
things. "The World Cup is the biggest stage and to go there again, to really show what we are now and make an impactt, would mean the world to me.
"There's a (play-off) semi-final and hopefully a final to be played. We'll give everything and hopefully put on a show and try to be successful for the country."
Czech Republic's forward Patrik Schick (L) vies with Wales' defender Joe Rodon in a World Cup qualifier in 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)placeholder image
Czech Republic's forward Patrik Schick (L) vies with Wales' defender Joe Rodon in a World Cup qualifier in 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)
In this golden era for Welsh football - 10 years ago their only major tournament had been Pele's debut World Cup in 1958 - Rodon has gone from fan to player to leader.
"I watched the Belgium game (Wales' 2016 quarter-final win) in Swansea," says the 28-year-old centre-back. "I was with all my friends and family and I've never seen Swansea like that. It was just red everywhere.
"It was unbelievable and special to witness and then be a part of the next (major tournament, Euro 2020) was just a dream come true.
"I guess it is a bit different this time around now being one of probably the older ones. Although I ain't that old!"
Maybe not, but by the end of next week, Rodon hopes to have exactly twice as many caps - 30 - as he took to Qatar's winter World Cup in 2022. Not that he thinks it will change his approach.
"I've always been vocal on the pitch," he says. "I can't help that.
"When I came into set-up it was an older group. Learning off them, being around that and seeing how they were was amazing for us.
"We're getting to that point where we're becoming the older ones. It's all happened so fast. "
But having been through a qualifying play-off - Italy lost in the 2022 semi-finals, Northern Ireland and Bosnia went out in the group stage - not to mention the finals is a big deal.
"Once you've lived it before, I think you're always going to carry it with you," he argues. "Quite a few of us were a part of those play-offs and I think it's only going to benefit the team.
"Hopefully we can be the ones to lead the team this time.
"It was a big learning curve for all of us. It's the world's biggest stage.
"As a player it's hard to explain but if we do make it I think the mindset and everything will be completely different.
"It's probably the most nervous I've ever been as a player, representing my country in the World Cup.
"If we do have the opportunity I'm sure we'll be a completely different team this time around."
With Sweden's Gabriel Gudmundsson also hoping to reach USA, Mexico and Canada - his side face Ukraine in Valencia for the right to host Poland or Albania - the much-maligned March international break could have its benefits for Leeds.
"A positive result and a positive performance is good for the confidence, I would definitely like it," says manager Daniel Farke. "Every positive experience is definitely good for us and fingers are crossed for positive results for my lads."
Just the change of scenery should be beneficial in the back end of a tough season fighting Premier League relegation.
"All the boys love playing for our country and to go to major tournaments is always the highest honour for us," says Rodon.
"The unity in the national team is second to none. It's always been like this.
"It does feel like it's been a while since we've been with the national team. It's always nice to have a refreshment of environment and to get to see the family and stuff, going back to Wales."
He is also looking forward to linking up with his international manager Craig Bellamy.
"He's obsessed with the game," says Rodon. "I don't think he'd be in it if that wasn't the case.
"I've learned so much from him and his (coaching) team. I just love the training and learning from him. I can't wait to be a part of it again."