Premier League: Build-up to AFC Bournemouth vs Fulham
An Emerging Key Asset for the Cherries?
A great deal has been said about the Cherries' defensive strength even with a significant reshuffle in their defense, but it was an attacking recruit who made the headlines in the fixture against Leeds.
Eli Junior Kroupi was acquired to add cover for lead striker Evanilson in Bournemouth's attack, and it was his last-minute finish that secured the manager's squad a crucial result away from home.
The forward bagged an impressive 13 goals in the same number of matches for FC Lorient last season, which contributed to the team in achieving moving up to the top flight in French football.
Moving from the French second tier to the Premier League was always expected to be a difficult challenge and, unsurprisingly, he has so far been limited to an impact substitute.
His entry at the recent match came when the Cherries taking a ‘throw the kitchen sink at it’ approach, but his calmness to fire in during added time could become a key asset going forward.
A reliable finisher will know where the net is at all levels and Kroupi demonstrated that with the way he got into place and calmly finished under pressure – a significant moment for him.
Will Eli Junior see increased playing time on the back of his impact on Saturday? Perhaps. But one thing is certain, Andoni Iraola's side have uncovered another cog in the manager's well-oiled machine.
