Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu Explained

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu
Full Name:Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu[1]
Birth Date:22 March 1994[2]
Birth Place:Hendon, England
Position:Central midfielder
Currentclub:Luton Town
Clubnumber:17
Youthyears1:2009–2011
Youthclubs1:Boreham Wood
Years1:2011
Clubs1:Boreham Wood
Caps1:13
Goals1:0
Years2:2011–2014
Clubs2:West Ham United
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:2013
Clubs3:→ Luton Town (loan)
Caps3:5
Goals3:0
Years4:2014–
Clubs4:Luton Town
Caps4:350
Goals4:23
Nationalyears1:2021
Nationalteam1:DR Congo
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0
Club-Update:05:26, 13 August 2024 (UTC)

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (born 22 March 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for 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

Early career

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

West Ham United

Mpanzu signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract with Championship club West Ham United on 5 December 2011 after a successful trial.[4] [5] He was a member of the West Ham team which won the Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy against Espanyol in September 2013.[6] Mpanzu made his first-team debut in a 2–0 win away to Burnley in the League Cup fourth round on 29 October 2013.[7] 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."[8]

Luton Town

On 28 November 2013, Mpanzu signed for Conference Premier club Luton Town on loan until 4 January 2014.[9] He made his Luton debut in central defence two days later in a 0–0 draw with Staines Town in the FA Trophy,[10] and was named man of the match in the replay, which Luton won 2–0, while playing in central midfield.[11] 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.[12] After impressing in his seven matches for Luton, manager John Still revealed that he was looking to bring Mpanzu back to Kenilworth Road.[12] 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".[13] He scored his first goal for the club in a 7–0 win over Hereford United on 15 February 2014,[14] before scoring his second two months later, a "scorching half-volley" in a 2–1 away win over Dartford.[15] He finished 2013–14 with 24 appearances and two goals, as Luton won the Conference Premier title and promotion to League Two.[16] Mpanzu said that his decision to leave West Ham and drop down the divisions had been "the right choice" as he had a winner's medal to justify it.[17]

Mpanzu suffered numerous injuries, including a rare calcification of the hamstring muscle,[18] over the course of 2014–15 and made 18 appearances, of which only 10 were in the starting lineup. He scored one goal during the campaign; an injury-time equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Bury.[19]

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. Mpanzu signed a new three-year contract with Luton on 3 August 2017, with the option of a further year.[20] In the following two seasons, he achieved two consecutive promotions with Luton to reach the Championship.[21] In July 2021, he signed a new undisclosed-length deal to remain at the club.[22] [23]

On 28 January 2023, he played his 350th match with the club in a 2–2 draw against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup.[24] 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.[25] On 10 July 2023, he signed a new contract to extend his tenure at the club into the Premier League.[26]

International career

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.[27] He debuted with the DR Congo in a 1–0 friendly loss to Tunisia on 5 June 2021.[28]

Style of play

Mpanzu has been described as a "powerful"[29] box-to-box midfielder with "endless energy".[30] [31] Mpanzu has stated that central midfield is his natural position, but that he is able to play as a centre-back.[30]

Personal life

His cousin Peter Kioso is also a footballer; the two played together at Luton Town.[32]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Boreham Wood2011–12Conference South13000—00130
West Ham United2011–12Championship0000000000
2012–13Premier League000000—00
2013–14Premier League000010—10
Total0000100010
Luton Town2013–14[33] National League21200—30242
2014–15League Two161101000181
2015–16League Two212002010242
2016–17League Two422202060522
2017–18League Two282301040362
2018–19League One465401010525
2019–20Championship4430020—463
2020–21Championship4421010—462
2021–22Championship3411000—351
2022–23[34] Championship303400030373
2023–24[35] Premier League2703020—320
Total3532319012018039923
Career total3662319013018041623

Honours

Luton Town

2023[36]

2018–19[37]

2013–14[39]

Individual

2019–20[40]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: EFL: Club retained and released lists published . English Football League . 23 June 2016 . 20 May 2018 . 6 October 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161006175732/http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/efl-club-retained-and-released-lists-published-3151313.aspx . live .
  2. Web site: Pelly Ruddock . Soccerbase . Centurycomm . 5 August 2017 . 5 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170805220214/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=72067 . live .
  3. Web site: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu extends Kenilworth Road stay . BBC Sport . 10 July 2023 .
  4. News: Boreham Wood youngster earns professional deal at West Ham United . Borehamwood & Elstree Times . 5 December 2011 . 30 October 2013 . 1 November 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131101013836/http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/sport/9402023.Wood_youngster_secures_dream_Hammers_move/ . live .
  5. Web site: Pelly signs . West Ham United F.C. . 5 December 2011 . 25 June 2018 . 25 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625132538/https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2011/december/05-december/pelly-signs . live .
  6. Web site: RCD Espanyol 0–1 West Ham United FT . West Ham United F.C. . 5 September 2013 . 25 June 2018 . 25 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625132956/https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2013/september/05-september/rcd-espanyol-0-1-west-ham-united-ft . live .
  7. News: Capital One Cup: Two penalties gift West Ham 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor . Sky Sports . 30 October 2013 . 5 August 2017 . 5 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181307/http://www.skysports.com/football/burnley-vs-west-ham/303965 . live .
  8. Web site: Allardyce praises West Ham youngsters . ESPN FC . 30 October 2013 . 20 May 2018 . 25 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161407/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/efl-cup/story/1599547/sam-allardyce-praises-west-ham-youngsters . live .
  9. News: West Ham United youngsters Blair Turgott and Pelly Ruddock have joined Colchester United and Luton Town on loan . Epping Forest Guardian . 28 November 2013 . 5 February 2017 . 6 February 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170206022232/http://www.eppingforestguardian.co.uk/sport/10842915.Hammers_youngsters_leave_on_loan/ . live .
  10. News: Mark . Wood . Keeper Turner excels as 10-man Staines hold Hatters to goalless FA Trophy draw . Luton Today . 30 November 2013 . 5 February 2017 . 4 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181104062615/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/keeper-turner-excels-as-10-man-staines-hold-hatters-to-goalless-fa-trophy-draw-1-5720048 . live .
  11. News: Mike . Simmonds . Goals from Parry and Whalley see Luton remove stubborn Staines . Luton Today . 3 December 2013 . 11 September 2016 . 1 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051432/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/goals-from-parry-and-whalley-see-luton-remove-stubborn-staines-1-5726302 . live .
  12. News: Mark . Wood . Hatters may look to bring someone else in on loan or resurrect deal in the future as Mpanzu is recalled by Hammers . Luton Today . 30 December 2013 . 11 September 2016 . 1 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051415/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/updated-hatters-may-look-to-bring-someone-else-in-on-loan-or-resurrect-deal-in-the-future-as-mpanzu-is-recalled-by-hammers-1-5777483 . live .
  13. News: Mark . Wood . Pelly eyes promotion after returning to Luton . Luton Today . 28 January 2014 . 11 September 2016 . 1 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190101145148/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/pelly-eyes-promotion-after-returning-to-luton-1-5839654 . live .
  14. News: Luton Town 7–0 Hereford United . BBC Sport . 15 February 2014 . 2 April 2014 . 24 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181024080400/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26095259 . live .
  15. News: Mike . Simmonds . Hatters stun Dartford with late fightback . Luton Today . 1 April 2014 . 11 September 2016 . 1 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051417/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-stun-dartford-with-late-fightback-1-5974137 . live .
  16. News: Luton Town win Conference Premier and Football League spot . BBC Sport . 15 April 2014 . 28 April 2014 . 11 April 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190411162928/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26978690 . live .
  17. News: Mike . Simmonds . Pelly's move from Hammers pays off with winners medal . Luton Today . 23 April 2014 . 11 September 2016 . 1 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190101100446/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/pelly-s-move-from-hammers-pays-off-with-winners-medal-1-6016053 . live .
  18. News: James . Cunliffe . Luton Town: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu could be fully fit two weeks into season; Mark Tyler return close . Bedfordshire on Sunday . Bedford . 23 July 2015 . 15 December 2016 . 30 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170830230123/http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/luton-town-pelly-ruddock-mpanzu-fully-fit-weeks/story-27471026-detail/story.html . live .
  19. News: Luton Town 1–1 Bury . BBC Sport . 19 August 2014 . 20 July 2015 . 10 November 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171110211002/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28750237 . live .
  20. News: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu: Midfielder extends Hatters deal until 2020 . BBC Sport . 3 August 2017 . 5 August 2017 . 6 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170806153810/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40814880 . live .
  21. Web site: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu's alternative route into the Football League . These Football Times . 4 April 2019 . 17 May 2023 . 17 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230517214452/https://thesefootballtimes.co/2019/04/04/pelly-ruddock-mpanzus-alternative-route-into-the-football-league/ . live .
  22. Web site: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu signs new contract to remain a Hatter! . Luton Town . 19 July 2021 .
  23. Web site: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu: Luton Town midfielder signs new contract . BBC Sport . 19 July 2021 .
  24. Web site: Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu on Grimsby draw and 350 Luton matches! . Luton Town . 29 January 2023 . 17 May 2023 . 17 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230517214449/https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2023/january/pelly-grimsby/ . live .
  25. Web site: Mpanzu's remarkable journey to Premier League . BBC Sport . 25 May 2023 . 28 May 2023 . 27 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230527201019/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65695212 . live .
  26. Web site: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu remains a Hatter! . Luton Town . 10 July 2023 .
  27. Web site: Hatters midfielder Mpanzu earns his first DR Congo call-up. www.lutontoday.co.uk. 29 May 2021. 2 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212337/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-midfielder-mpanzu-earns-his-first-dr-congo-call-up-3238597. live.
  28. Web site: Match Report of Tunisia vs Congo DR - 2021-06-05 - FIFA Friendlies - Global Sports Archive. globalsportsarchive.com. 6 June 2021. 13 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220313110811/https://globalsportsarchive.com/match/soccer/2021-06-05/tunisia-vs-congo-dr/2376878/. live.
  29. News: Mark . Wood . 'Crazy' Mpanzu decision can't halt defiant Hatters' march to the title . Luton Today . 26 March 2014 . 11 September 2016 . 25 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625185915/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/crazy-mpanzu-decision-can-t-halt-defiant-hatters-march-to-the-title-1-5961621 . live .
  30. Web site: Ruddock adapting to defensive role . West Ham United F.C. . 19 February 2013 . 25 June 2018 . 25 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625133016/https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2013/february/19-february/ruddock-adapting-defensive-role . dead.
  31. News: Mike . Simmonds . Hatters rated against Wrexham . Luton Today . 16 December 2013 . 11 September 2016 . 25 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625185528/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/hatters-rated-against-wrexham-1-5752765 . live .
  32. Web site: Kioso confident he can handle the pressure of playing for Luton . www.dunstabletoday.co.uk . 24 June 2020 . 26 June 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200626164554/https://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/kioso-confident-he-can-handle-pressure-playing-luton-1393496 . live .
  33. Web site: P. Ruddock . Soccerway . Perform Group . 20 May 2018 . 21 May 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180521021424/https://uk.soccerway.com/players/pele-ruddock/201783/ . live .
  34. Web site: Pelly Ruddock Football Stats Luton Town Season 2022/2023 Soccer Base . 22 January 2023 . www.soccerbase.com . 22 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230122113315/https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=72067&season_id=155 . live .
  35. Web site: Pelly Ruddock Football Stats Luton Town Season 2023/2024 Soccer Base . www.soccerbase.com . 3 October 2023.
  36. News: Luton win shootout to reach Premier League . en-GB . BBC Sport . 2023-05-27 . 27 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230527210121/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65654937 . live .
  37. Book: John . Anderson . Football Yearbook 2019–2020 . 2019 . Headline Publishing Group . London . 978-1-4722-6111-3 . 210–211.
  38. Book: John . Anderson . Football Yearbook 2018–2019 . 2018 . Headline Publishing Group . London . 978-1-4722-6106-9 . 214–215.
  39. Book: John . Anderson . Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2014–2015 . 2014 . Headline Publishing Group . London . 978-1-4722-1251-1 . 636–637.
  40. News: Mike . Simmonds . Cornick and Mpanzu win big at Hatters' awards night . Luton Today . JPIMedia Publishing . 10 September 2020 . 10 September 2020 . 10 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210810194651/https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/cornick-and-mpanzu-win-big-hatters-awards-night-2966866 . live .

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