An Emerging Secret Weapon for the Cherries?
Much has been said about the Cherries' solid backline despite a significant reshuffle in their defensive unit, but it was an attacking recruit who stood out in the game against Leeds United.
The young striker was signed to add cover for main attacker the Brazilian forward in Bournemouth's frontline, and it was his last-minute strike that earned Iraola's side a vital result away from home.
Eli Junior scored an impressive 13 goals in an equal number of appearances for his former club last season, which contributed to the team toward elevation back to the elite league in Ligue 1.
Moving from the French second tier to the EPL was always expected to be a hard task and, unsurprisingly, Kroupi has thus far been restricted to an bench option.
His entry at the weekend coincided with the Bournemouth adopting a all-out attack approach, but his coolness to rifle home during stoppage time could become a important tool going forward.
A consistent goalscorer will find the back of the net at all levels and Kroupi proved that with the way he got into place and comfortably swept home under pressure – a major occasion for him.
Will Eli Junior see increased playing time following his influence on Saturday? Possibly. But it's clear, Andoni Iraola's side have uncovered one more component in Iraola's well-oiled machine.
