And midfielder is ready for tough trip to Stamford Bridge
YOUSSOUF Mulumbu has geared up for tomorrow's tough trip to Chelsea (ko 3pm) by revealing he harbours a long-term ambition to one day captain Albion.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who arrived at The Hawthorns in February 2009, is now only three league appearances shy of his 150th for the club.
Mulumbu experienced the joy of promotion in his first full season with the Baggies – prior to 11th, tenth and eighth place finishes in the Barclays Premier League.
And the DR Congo international takes great pride in the progress Albion have made since he joined from Paris Saint-Germain almost five years ago.
“When I came from Paris it was a like a dream to be playing in the Premier League,” said Mulumbu.
“West Brom is fabulous for me because they improve every year.
“I was lucky to come here.
“That matches my own ambition which is to add a little bit more throughout my career.
“When I first came here I knew very little about West Brom but I discovered a great club with great players.
“There is an eclectic dressing room with lots of nationalities.
“Now I am like an old man.
“I have welcomed Amalfitano, Anelka and Sessegnon.
“I have shown them around Birmingham and that is a big change to the role I played when I first came here.
“I hope to one day be captain.
“That would be amazing for me.
“I have played under some fantastic captains in Brunty and Jonas and hopefully one day I will get the same opportunity.”
Albion head to Stamford Bridge in good form – with only one defeat in their last seven fixtures – a run which included a 2-1 victory at champions Manchester United and a 1-1 draw with table-toppers Arsenal.
And Mulumbu believes Steve Clarke’s side will travel to second-place Chelsea in buoyant mood.
“We go into the game on the back of a win over Crystal Palace,” he added.
“Winning your last game is the best possible preparation for playing one of the biggest teams in the league.
“We look quite confident.
“The motivation doesn’t need to come from the gaffer because we are players who want to do well against all teams, especially the big teams.
“We also know Chelsea have big players.
“We are looking forward to playing against them.
“We’ll be ready for sure.”
Mulumbu is 33/1 to score the first goal in tomorrow's game against Chelsea with Sky Bet and if you open an account and deposit before the end of November Albion will get a £10 bonus. To bet now and for more odds, click here.