STARTING OUT
Plange was spotted as a prodigious talent from a young age, signing for Arsenal at six-years-old and taking to Academy football like a duck to water, scoring in all but one game in his first season.
Despite living in Twickenham and playing for local side Feltham Whites Under-8s – where he scored more than 35 goals while also playing Academy football – Plange made the journey to north London three times a week to play for the Gunners’ young sides.
“I want to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told his local newspaper. Grand ambitions indeed.
NEXT STEPS
Plange quickly became one of the most high-rated prospects at Hale End, scoring regularly as he progressed through the age groups.
Aged just 15, he made his debut for the Under-18s, and over the following seasons established himself in the first XI.
Scoring nine goals in 12 games in the youth side last season, he attracted Derby’s attention.
JOINING THE RAMS
Asked to train at Derby, Plange scored a hat-trick against Leeds United in a trial match. Invited back, he netted again against Manchester City and was offered a full contract.
After impressing with the Under-18s, he moved up to the Under-23s side where he scored against his former club Arsenal in an action-packed 5-3 win in November.
FIRST-TEAM ACTION
Catching the eye of the first-team coaches, Plange began training with the senior side in November and made his debut a month later, coming on as a substitute against Bristol City. His first start came in the very next fixture, scoring the only goal in a crucial victory over Blackpool.
His introduction to the first-team pleased manager Wayne Rooney. “Luke Plange has a bit of everything in his game,” he said. “He can run in behind teams, he’s quick and he is also strong enough to hold the ball up.
“As well as that, he’s a clever player and also a finisher. With players like that, you know that if they get a chance they are more than likely going to score.”
Plange’s barnstorming introduction to league football culminated in a nomination for December’s PFA Championship Player of the Month.
The young striker scored again last weekend, sparking Derby’s dramatic late comeback from two goals down against Birmingham City as their remarkable fight to avoid relegation goes on.
