Youssouf Mulumbu, West Bromwich Albion player-of-the-season and dressing room joker.

Seriously.

Chris Brunt has been impressed with his team-mate’s contribution during the last campaign, both on and off the field.

The Northern Ireland winger revealed he was one of the team-mates who voted the midfield dynamo Albion Players’ Player of the Season for his outstanding displays in his first full Premier League season.

And he also revealed that the DR Congo international’s bubbly character was also a crucial ingredient in making the club’s multi-national squad tick.

“He was my vote for player of the season,” said Brunt. “He was super last season.

“Ever since he came to the club he’s improved.

“Game by game he gets better and better.

“This season he has done very well and deserved the awards at the end of the season.

“He’s great to have around. He’s always laughing, smiling and joking.

“I don’t think it would be the same if he wasn’t around.

“He’s a great character to have about.

“With all the nationalities we have he helps pull the dressing room together.

“I think he speaks a few languages, including Spanish and French.”

Mulumbu finished the last campaign as the Baggies’ seven-goal second top scorer in the top flight and started all-but four league games.

Brunt added: “He has kicked on, especially since the new head coach has come in.

“He’s full of energy and he’s always up and down. If you’d seen his finishing in training you’d be surprised he’d scored so many.

“He must save everything for the games.”