Premier League: Build-up to Bournemouth v Fulham
The Latest Key Asset for the Cherries?
Much has been discussed about AFC Bournemouth's organized defense even with a major overhaul in their defensive unit, but it was an new forward who made the headlines in the fixture against the Whites.
Eli Junior Kroupi was acquired to add cover for main attacker Evanilson in the team's attack, and it was his late goal that secured the manager's side a vital draw in an away fixture.
Kroupi scored an notable 13 goals in an equal number of appearances for FC Lorient the previous campaign, which helped the team on their way to promotion into the elite league in France.
Moving from the Ligue 2 to the English top flight was always expected to be a tough ask and, as anticipated, he has up to now been limited to an bench option.
His introduction at the weekend coincided with the AFC Bournemouth taking a go-for-broke tactic, but his calmness to fire in during added time could emerge as a valuable weapon going forward.
A prolific striker will find the back of the net at all levels and he proved that with the way he positioned himself and comfortably swept home at the crucial moment – a major event for him.
Will Eli Junior earn a starting role after his impact on Saturday? Perhaps. But it's clear, the Cherries have discovered one more component in their well-oiled machine.
