After 377 career appearances, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu is close to making his Premier League debut. 

The 29-year-old has been a key figure in Luton's rise from non-league to the top flight. 

Now the Congo international has committed his immediate future to the Bedfordshire club by signing a one-year contract extension. 

Ahead of Luton's pre-season campaign, we take a look at Mpanzu's journey to the Premier League and what we can expect from him. 

Making history

Mpanzu's football career started in the sixth tier of the game with Conference South outfit Boreham Wood. 

His potential was soon spotted by West Ham, who signed the midfielder when he was 17 years old. 

If Mpanzu thought that he was on a fast-track to the Premier League, then he was mistaken, for he left the London club after just one appearance in the League Cup. 

He found himself back in non-league with Luton when he joined the then Conference Premier side on a loan deal in 2013. 

After impressing during that initial temporary spell, Mpanzu was signed permanently by the Hatters in 2014. 

During his ten seasons at Luton, he has played a major part in their incredible journey to the pinnacle of English football. 

In doing so, Mpanzu has become the only player to have ever risen from non-league to the Premier League with the same club. 

Edwards praise

Luton's promotion to the top flight was overseen by manager Rob Edwards, who took over in November last year. He has spoken about the contribution made by Mpanzu.

Edwards said: "Pelly's story is such a special one, and everyone knows that now. 

"Ever since we came in, his consistency has been brilliant. He is someone who gives everything, he leaves it all out there. 

"He leads by example, he's brave in taking the ball and what he does with it. He'll assume responsibility for the team. 

"On and off the pitch he is just a huge part of what we do, he's the heartbeat of the dressing room, a brilliant lad who everyone loves. 

"So it's only right that he now gets this opportunity to play in the Premier League, because he's worked so hard for it, he deserves it. 

"I'm sure everyone will agree with me in that his performances last year in our midfield were outstanding and played such a big part in us getting here. 

"Now it will be down to him and everyone else, because we've got to try and stay here. We are so pleased that he's staying and we can't wait to see him step up again." 

Confidence trick

After extending his contract, Mpanzu spoke about an inspirational journey that transcends football. 

He said: "Luton has been my second home, it's the only club I really know. 

"We've been through some crazy experiences with ups and downs, a couple of losses like Blackpool in the League Two play-offs, the Championship play-off loss against Huddersfield Town. 

"It was tough, but we've always come back, and we were glad to get over the line and look forward now to our first season in the Premier League. 

"It's about self-belief and to have confidence in yourself, with that confidence you can do anything in the world."