Scouting Report - Eli Junior Kroupi

Overview

Date Of Birth: 23/6/2006 (18)

Place Of Birth: Lorient

Nationality: France, Cote d'Ivoire

Position(s): Centre-Forward, Left Winger, Attacking Midfielder

Preferred foot: Right

Eli Junior Kroupi became the youngest player to make a first team appearance for Lorient when he made his debut at age 16 on June 3rd 2023 and is the third youngest player to have scored a brace at Ligue 1 level, beating on Thierry Henry by over 100 days.

In December 2024, CIES Football Observatory's report on the best U21 talents in the world rated him as number 12 in the all-rounder forward category.

Kroupi began his Lorient career predominantly as an attacking midfielder, but has since transitioned a centre-forward role. Kroupi has a goalscoring ratio of a goal every 114 minutes since dropping down to Ligue 2. Reminiscent of current AFC Bournemouth striker Evanilson, he likes to drop deep, link up play and service wingers progressing beyond him. His link-up play is excellent and his passing accuracy is over 80% in the opposition half. Also like Evanlison he is tenacious and hard-working in the press, forcing defenders into mistakes and intercepting passes. He is a very good fit for the model of player that Bournemouth want in the number 9 position for Andoni Iraola's system.

A potential generational talent, and an extremely exciting signing. We're looking forward to watching him in a Cherries shirt!

Technical & Tactical Strengths

Shooting/Finishing Movement Link-up Play Pressing First Touch Ball Manipulation Dribbling Passing Interceptions

Physical & Mental Attributes

Pace Decision Making Vision Creativity Work Rate

Technical & Tactical Areas For Improvement

Left foot Heading