Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, 19, is being likened to Barcelona star Kylian Mbappe after scoring a stunning goal against Wolves. The French forward was once compared to Mbappe by former Lorient teammate and Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who said he has "the maturity in his game" of the Real Madrid winger.
Kroupi's goal against Wolves on Saturday was a textbook example of how he scores goals for Bournemouth, using his first touch to cushion Amine Adli's flick before unleashing a powerful, looping strike that left goalkeeper Jose Sa beaten. The 19-year-old has now scored eight league goals this season, briefly lifting him level with Lamine Yamal's nine.
Kroupi is the youngest player to score in Lorient's top-flight history and became the club's youngest scorer at just 17 years and 92 days. His goal against Wolves showcased his maturity and technique, earning comparisons to Mbappe, who is known for his pace, skill, and finishing ability on the pitch.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Kroupi after the game, saying he gives quality on the ball and can score goals. He also mentioned that the club is considering playing two attacking midfielders ahead of their strikers, which could provide more opportunities for Kroupi to shine.
Kroupi's goal against Wolves on Saturday was a textbook example of how he scores goals for Bournemouth, using his first touch to cushion Amine Adli's flick before unleashing a powerful, looping strike that left goalkeeper Jose Sa beaten. The 19-year-old has now scored eight league goals this season, briefly lifting him level with Lamine Yamal's nine.
Kroupi is the youngest player to score in Lorient's top-flight history and became the club's youngest scorer at just 17 years and 92 days. His goal against Wolves showcased his maturity and technique, earning comparisons to Mbappe, who is known for his pace, skill, and finishing ability on the pitch.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Kroupi after the game, saying he gives quality on the ball and can score goals. He also mentioned that the club is considering playing two attacking midfielders ahead of their strikers, which could provide more opportunities for Kroupi to shine.
... I mean, Mbappe is basically a legend on the pitch right now! But seriously, what impresses me most about Kroupi is his maturity and technique - he doesn't just rely on pace, he has the skill to control the game and create scoring chances. His goal against Wolves was insane 
, it's no wonder Bakayoko thinks he's got the maturity in his game! Andoni Iraola seems like a smart coach too, playing two attacking midfielders ahead of their strikers could really free up Kroupi to make some magic happen on the pitch 
. The kid's only 19 and already scoring goals for Bournemouth, who knows what he'll be capable of in the future? 
he's literally scoring goals like it's nobodies business! and now people are saying he's the new kylian mbappe? 
that's a pretty high bar to set, but honestly if anyone can do it, it's him. his technique is insane and his maturity on the pitch is already impressing many. And i love how bournemouth manager andoni iraola is giving him the freedom to shine 
. I mean, he's already being compared to Kylian Mbappe and stuff! The goal he scored against Wolves was insane 
. They're thinking of playing two attacking midfielders ahead of their strikers, which could lead to even more scoring opportunities for Kroupi! Fingers crossed he keeps up the good form 
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. people are comparing him to mbappe, and i can see why - both of them have that maturity in their game that sets them apart 
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bournemouth seems to be playing to his strengths now, using two attacking midfielders ahead of the strikers should give him plenty of chances to shine 
. what do u guys think? is kroupi the next big thing in english footy? 
i mean i watched that goal against wolves and it was like wow what a finish 
! he's so underrated right now but honestly he's been putting in the work all season 
but seriously, kroupi's got some serious skills and that comparison to mbappe is not far off! i mean, have you seen his footwork on the pitch? 
. Bournemouth needs players like him who can just take over a game like that. And the comparison to Mbappe is fair, he does have that same level of skill and finish. But what's crazy is how young he is - 19 and already scoring goals for fun 
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And to think, people are comparing him to Kylian Mbappe already? I mean, the kid's got skills for days! 
But what impresses me most is his maturity on the pitch. He doesn't just run around like a headless chicken, he knows how to control the game and make things happen. And that goal against Wolves was proof of that! 
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The goal against Wolves was insane, like something out of a dream. And the fact that Bournemouth's manager is already planning to get him more goals by playing two attacking midfielders ahead of their strikers? That's genius! 
. I'm lowkey excited to see how Bournemouth plays with him ahead of their strikers, it'll be sick to see more goals from him! 
. Can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings for this young lad!!! 
. I love how Bournemouth is giving him more freedom on the pitch too - it's like they're speaking his language now. 
The fact that they might start playing two attacking midfielders ahead of their strikers? Genius move, imo! 
! He's only 19 and already making waves in the league 
. I mean, Mbappe's all right I guess, but he's still just a fancy footwork machine without any real depth in his game 
. Kroupi might score some sick goals like this one, but will he be able to keep it up throughout the season? Doubtful