At the start of this year, Joel Mumbongo made his first team debut for Burnley against MK Dons in the third round of the FA Cup.
Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to play six more matches across all competitions, which includes four substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Having joined the Clarets in 2019, the Swede had to wait for 18 months before making his first appearance for Sean Dyche’s side.
Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen has interviewed the striker, and he detailed his experience in top flight football in England.
“It’s been very instructive. I have grown a lot, mostly as a person off the field, but also on the pitch of course with my development. It has been good and very positive, while I have learned a lot. It’s been a very good year for me on and off the field,” he said.
The frontman did well for Burnley U23s last season, scoring eight goals in 13 matches. The player has insisted he wasn’t surprised that Dyche handed him an opportunity with the English club’s senior side.
“Not to be arrogant, but I’ve worked for it. I’m not the arrogant type, but I know what I’m good at and what I can do when I get the chance,” Mumbongo explained.
“I’m not surprised it came. It’s not that I didn’t expect the chance to come. For me it was just to be ready when it would happen, then I know what I can do.”
The former Hellas Verona man has a year left on his contract at Turf Moor and his ‘big goal’ next season is to feature regularly for Burnley.
“I want to play and be involved, so that is of course the goal. I got to jump into a few games last season, but when it’s a new season, people have forgotten what happened last season,” the player stressed.
“It’s up to me. I get to put in a new gear and it remains only to continue doing what I have done right.
“It’s [his big goal] getting playing time, being on the pitch and evolving. I’m going to work on what I need to get better at and then the rest of it comes by itself.”
