Back in 1995 Roy Hodgson built his Inter Milan team around a tough tackling midfielder by the name of Paul Ince.
Fast forward to the present and the new Liverpool manager could yet help Ince junior develop into an Anfield star of the future.
Indeed, Hodgson's career seems to have come full circle for those that reside in the Ince household - a fact that hasn't been lost on Academy scholar Tom, who produced some eye-catching cameos at the club's pre-season training camp in Switzerland.
The 18-year-old admits that he shared a wry smile with his parents when Hodgson was installed as the new boss and now hopes to make his own mark on the man who once barked orders at his father from the San Siro dugout.
"Roy was at Inter Milan when my Dad joined them from Man United, so I know him from back then," Ince told Liverpoolfc.tv during an exclusive chat.
"He's told me that I've grown up a lot since - I'm a lot taller!
"I have to admit it was a bit weird at first though. The first thing I thought was that he had managed my Dad and now here he was managing me too! I heard him say that it made him feel old and that made me laugh.
"In all seriousness though, I have a totally different style of play to my Dad. I don't think I'm as mouthy as him either, so I'm sure me and Roy will get on well!
"I've just got to be my own man. I must impress him in my own right. Hopefully the 10 days in Switzerland have helped me to introduce myself to Roy and I can now go on to impress him."
The record number of Reds at this summer's World Cup meant Hodgson was left with a young squad of players to work with during the club's annual Swiss training camp.
Ince feels the absence of the more senior stars opened the door for the fringe players to show the new boss what they are made of and revealed that Hodgson has already given him advice on how to improve his game.
"Roy's been brilliant," said Ince. "He's brought in new ideas - he's a very old school type of manager. He's English and for young lads like me it's a big step for us and hopefully we can be part of his plans.
"He likes to get his ideas across and it's great to learn from such an experienced manager. He's spoken to me a few times in training about things I can do better and what I can add to my game.
"That's brilliant. If you have a manager who can help you through a game then it's got to be a plus. We've been working on the defensive side of my game. The tactical side of things and my technique is fine. It's just the other part of my game that needs work."
While Ince does not expect to be linking the play with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole just yet, he is hopeful that he will be given an opportunity to showcase his ability on the first-team stage at some point in the 2010-11 campaign.
"The camp has given the boss the chance to have a look at the younger players," said Ince. "It could be really important too, because halfway through the season there may be a chance to come in and do a job. Roy will remember us all from Switzerland and hopefully he will feel he can trust us."
He added: I'm only 18, so I'm still young. I've still got time to learn. I'm sure Roy can help me along the way.
"Hopefully I've shown him I'm good enough to be at this football club and that I can push on and get in his first-team. We'll have to wait and see."
