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Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu

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Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu
Mpanzu with West Ham United in 2014
Personal information
Full name Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu[1]
Date of birth (1994-03-22) 22 March 1994 (age 30)[2]
Place of birth Hendon, England
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[2]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Luton Town
Number 17
Youth career
2009–2011 Boreham Wood
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011 Boreham Wood 13 (0)
2011–2014 West Ham United 0 (0)
2013 → Luton Town (loan) 5 (0)
2014– Luton Town 353 (23)
International career
2021 DR Congo 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 08:10, 20 November 2024 (UTC)

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (born 22 March 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for EFL Championship club Luton Town. Born in England, he played for the DR Congo national team twice in 2021. He is the first footballer to climb from the non-league tiers of English football to the Premier League with the same club, having played for Luton since 2013.[3]

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Born in Hendon, Greater London, Mpanzu began his career with the youth system at Boreham Wood and made 13 first-team appearances.[4]

West Ham United

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Mpanzu signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract with Championship club West Ham United on 5 December 2011 after a successful trial.[5][6] He was a member of the West Ham team which won the Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy against Espanyol in September 2013.[7] Mpanzu made his first-team debut in a 2–0 win away to Burnley in the League Cup fourth round on 29 October 2013.[8][9] West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said of his debut, "This was their big chance. Three players, all defenders, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Dan Potts and Leo Chambers, can feel very proud of themselves, what they've done."[10]

Luton Town

[edit]

On 28 November 2013, Mpanzu signed for Conference Premier club Luton Town on loan until 4 January 2014.[11] He made his Luton debut in central defence two days later in a 0–0 draw with Staines Town in the FA Trophy,[12] and was named man of the match in the replay, which Luton won 2–0, while playing in central midfield.[13] He played in central midfield for five further matches, all victories, before being recalled back to West Ham's squad on 30 December due to his parent club's injury crisis.[4][14] After impressing in his seven matches for Luton, manager John Still revealed that he was looking to bring Mpanzu back to Kenilworth Road.[14] On 28 January 2014, Mpanzu signed for Luton permanently on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, in a transfer described as a "major coup".[15] He scored his first goal for the club in a 7–0 win over Hereford United on 15 February 2014,[16] before scoring his second two months later, a "scorching half-volley" in a 2–1 away win over Dartford.[17] He finished 2013–14 with 24 appearances and two goals,[4] as Luton won the Conference Premier title and promotion to League Two.[18] Mpanzu said that his decision to leave West Ham and drop down the divisions had been "the right choice"[19] as he had a winner's medal to justify it.[19]

Mpanzu suffered numerous injuries, including a rare calcification of the hamstring muscle,[20] over the course of 2014–15 and made 18 appearances, of which only 10 were in the starting lineup.[4] He scored one goal during the campaign; an injury-time equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Bury.[21]

He remained fit for most of the 2016–17 season, playing in 52 games in all competitions including both legs of the play-off semi-final, which Luton lost 6–5 on aggregate to Blackpool.[22] Mpanzu signed a new three-year contract with Luton on 3 August 2017, with the option of a further year.[23] In the following two seasons, he achieved two consecutive promotions with Luton to reach the Championship.[24] In July 2021, he signed a new undisclosed-length deal to remain at the club.[25][26]

On 28 January 2023, he played his 350th match with the club in a 2–2 draw against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup.[27] With Luton Town's promotion to the Premier League secured after winning the 2023 EFL Championship play-off final against Coventry City, he became the first player to go from non-league to the Premier League with the same club.[28] On 10 July 2023, he signed a new contract to extend his tenure at the club into the Premier League.[29]

International career

[edit]

Born in England, Mpanzu is of Congolese descent. He was called up to represent the DR Congo national team for a pair of friendlies in June 2021.[30] He debuted with the DR Congo in a 1–0 friendly loss to Tunisia on 5 June 2021.[31]

Style of play

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Mpanzu has been described as a "powerful"[32] box-to-box midfielder with "endless energy".[33][34] Mpanzu has stated that central midfield is his natural position, but that he is able to play as a centre-back.[33]

Personal life

[edit]

His cousin Peter Kioso is also a footballer; the two played together at Luton Town.[35]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 19 October 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Boreham Wood 2011–12[4] Conference South 13 0 0 0 — 0 0 13 0
West Ham United 2011–12[36] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012–13[37] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2013–14[9] Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
Total 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Luton Town 2013–14[4] National League 21 2 0 0 — 3[a] 0 24 2
2014–15[38] League Two 16 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 18 1
2015–16[39] League Two 21 2 0 0 2 0 1[b] 0 24 2
2016–17[22] League Two 42 2 2 0 2 0 6[c] 0 52 2
2017–18[40] League Two 28 2 3 0 1 0 4[d] 0 36 2
2018–19[41] League One 46 5 4 0 1 0 1[d] 0 52 5
2019–20[42] Championship 44 3 0 0 2 0 — 46 3
2020–21[43] Championship 44 2 1 0 1 0 — 46 2
2021–22[44] Championship 34 1 1 0 0 0 — 35 1
2022–23[45] Championship 30 3 4 0 0 0 3[e] 0 37 3
2023–24[46] Premier League 27 0 3 0 2 0 — 32 0
2024–25[47] Championship 5 0 0 0 0 0 — 5 0
Total 358 23 19 0 12 0 18 0 404 23
Career total 371 23 19 0 13 0 18 0 421 23
  1. ^ Appearances in FA Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ Four appearances in EFL Trophy, two in League Two play-offs
  4. ^ a b Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  5. ^ Three appearances in the Championship play-offs

Honours

[edit]

Luton Town

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "EFL: Club retained and released lists published". English Football League. 23 June 2016. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Pelly Ruddock". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  3. ^ "Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu extends Kenilworth Road stay". BBC Sport. 10 July 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "P. Ruddock". Soccerway. Perform Group. Archived from the original on 21 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Boreham Wood youngster earns professional deal at West Ham United". Borehamwood & Elstree Times. 5 December 2011. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  6. ^ "Pelly signs". West Ham United F.C. 5 December 2011. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  7. ^ "RCD Espanyol 0–1 West Ham United FT". West Ham United F.C. 5 September 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  8. ^ "Capital One Cup: Two penalties gift West Ham 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor". Sky Sports. 30 October 2013. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  10. ^ "Allardyce praises West Ham youngsters". ESPN FC. 30 October 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  11. ^ "West Ham United youngsters Blair Turgott and Pelly Ruddock have joined Colchester United and Luton Town on loan". Epping Forest Guardian. 28 November 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  12. ^ Wood, Mark (30 November 2013). "Keeper Turner excels as 10-man Staines hold Hatters to goalless FA Trophy draw". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 4 November 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  13. ^ Simmonds, Mike (3 December 2013). "Goals from Parry and Whalley see Luton remove stubborn Staines". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  14. ^ a b Wood, Mark (30 December 2013). "Hatters may look to bring someone else in on loan or resurrect deal in the future as Mpanzu is recalled by Hammers". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  15. ^ Wood, Mark (28 January 2014). "Pelly eyes promotion after returning to Luton". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  16. ^ "Luton Town 7–0 Hereford United". BBC Sport. 15 February 2014. Archived from the original on 24 October 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  17. ^ Simmonds, Mike (1 April 2014). "Hatters stun Dartford with late fightback". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  18. ^ "Luton Town win Conference Premier and Football League spot". BBC Sport. 15 April 2014. Archived from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  19. ^ a b Simmonds, Mike (23 April 2014). "Pelly's move from Hammers pays off with winners medal". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  20. ^ Cunliffe, James (23 July 2015). "Luton Town: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu could be fully fit two weeks into season; Mark Tyler return close". Bedfordshire on Sunday. Bedford. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  21. ^ "Luton Town 1–1 Bury". BBC Sport. 19 August 2014. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
  22. ^ a b "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  23. ^ "Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu: Midfielder extends Hatters deal until 2020". BBC Sport. 3 August 2017. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  24. ^ "Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu's alternative route into the Football League". These Football Times. 4 April 2019. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  25. ^ "Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu signs new contract to remain a Hatter!". Luton Town. 19 July 2021.
  26. ^ "Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu: Luton Town midfielder signs new contract". BBC Sport. 19 July 2021.
  27. ^ "Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu on Grimsby draw and 350 Luton matches!". Luton Town. 29 January 2023. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  28. ^ "Mpanzu's remarkable journey to Premier League". BBC Sport. 25 May 2023. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
  29. ^ "Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu remains a Hatter!". Luton Town. 10 July 2023.
  30. ^ "Hatters midfielder Mpanzu earns his first DR Congo call-up". www.lutontoday.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  31. ^ "Match Report of Tunisia vs Congo DR - 2021-06-05 - FIFA Friendlies - Global Sports Archive". globalsportsarchive.com. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  32. ^ Wood, Mark (26 March 2014). "'Crazy' Mpanzu decision can't halt defiant Hatters' march to the title". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  33. ^ a b "Ruddock adapting to defensive role". West Ham United F.C. 19 February 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  34. ^ Simmonds, Mike (16 December 2013). "Hatters rated against Wrexham". Luton Today. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  35. ^ "Kioso confident he can handle the pressure of playing for Luton". www.dunstabletoday.co.uk. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  36. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
  37. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
  38. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  39. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  40. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  41. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  42. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  43. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  44. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  45. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  46. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  47. ^ "Games played by Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  48. ^ "Luton win shootout to reach Premier League". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  49. ^ Anderson, John, ed. (2019). Football Yearbook 2019–2020. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 210–211. ISBN 978-1-4722-6111-3.
  50. ^ Anderson, John, ed. (2018). Football Yearbook 2018–2019. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 214–215. ISBN 978-1-4722-6106-9.
  51. ^ Anderson, John, ed. (2014). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2014–2015. London: Headline Publishing Group. pp. 636–637. ISBN 978-1-4722-1251-1.
  52. ^ Simmonds, Mike (10 September 2020). "Cornick and Mpanzu win big at Hatters' awards night". Luton Today. JPIMedia Publishing. Archived from the original on 10 August 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
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