Maybe he can be a role model but in this time there are many other options that seem to have more potential for the future.
How can he be a role model if he has so much drama around his career though? Maybe he's different when you see him in person, but it's hard to see that when young players consume social media content a lot. If a role model is what a club is looking for, maybe they should go for someone like Milner instead. He works hard and has leadership qualities, never see him in any drama whatsoever. Not sure if players like him are available on the market, especially outside of the Premier League though.
There are 2 sides that I see, first he can be a role model and second he cannot be a role model. The first reason I said he can be a role model is because of his ability as a good player, so that is a positive side for him and can be a motivation for other players. And the second reason I said he cannot be a role model is because of his attitude.
I think I have to be fair in judging a player, when he is good I say he is good and when he is not I will say no. I don't want to judge a player subjectively because I don't like the player, but I have to judge objectively.