The heir-apparent to superstar Harry Kewell was signed by former European Champions, Benfica, at the tender age of 16.

And ever since, for much of the past two years, Patafta has been shouldering the expectations of the Australian football community.

Possessing brilliant awareness and sublime ball control, Patafta’s composure on the ball and on-field demeanour indicates a maturity beyond his tender years.

In fact, such is his leadership potential that Patafta was appointed captain of the Joeys for their 2005 World Cup campaign.

But despite the plaudits from pundits around the nation, the Canberra-born midfielder denies feeling the burden associated with being The Next Big Thing.

“I don’t feel the pressure at all,” he says. “I’m just trying to be the best player I can be and live up to my potential.

"Hopefully I can play at the highest level and obviously play a role with the Socceroos. I just want to continue along my path. Every player has their own pathway.”

After making three appearances for Benfica last season, Patafta was farmed out to Melbourne for the fast approaching A-League season.

It's an attempt to secure him first-team football and build a platform towards a regular starting position with the Portuguese giants in 2008.

As he left for Europe during the formative stages of the competition, Patafta was unaware of football’s sudden rise in the mainstream psyche.

And he has been taken aback by the professionalism of the A-League.

“To be honest, I was very surprised by the facilities here and what Victory provided,” he says.

“It’s really professional and I think people would be surprised that the A-League clubs, especially Melbourne, can match these clubs in Europe.

"The big difference is cultural obviously, but in terms of facilities, we are right up there. I’m really enjoying it here. The facilities are awesome.

"I left for Portugal just as the A-League was starting so I had no idea what the standard was like, so it was a surprise to see that the standard of football is improving in Australia.”

While the opportunity to ply their trade with a club of Benfica’s calibre would be career defining for some, Patafta is focused on forging a career in Europe’s top leagues, although he does acknowledge the magnitude of his achievement.

“To be able to play with a club like Benfica is a dream. I went there when I was quite young and I was living the dream so to speak. It was unbelievable,” he says.

“In terms of whether it lived up to my expectations, I guess you really don’t know what to expect. But to actually be part of a big club is awesome.”

Melbourne’s barnstorming success last season redefined Australian domestic football, raising the standard to a level which has arguably been unseen in this nation.

And Patafta’s introduction, along with that of Ljubo Milicevic and Carlos Hernandez, provides the reigning champions with an ominous glow which is likely to trouble rivals deeply.

But Patafta questions whether he will make an instant impact on the competition and remains philosophical about the season ahead.

“It’s hard to say,” he says. “You never know what to expect in football I think, so I’ll just keep working hard and hopefully I can make an impact.”

Although he has already received a plethora of accolades throughout his short career, Patafta wants to hoist aloft Australia’s domestic crown, and it is that goal, as well as the lure of Champions League football, which is motivating him.

"To relive what the boys did last year and win the A-League, a competition in my homeland, would be awesome” he says.

“And obviously to be exposed in a competition such as the Asian Champions League would be brilliant as well.

"It’s such a high standard, but I really hope to improve and have a great season.”

By Simon Chiarelli