Known as La Panterita, Bordeaux's Honduran striker Alberth Elis is showing all the qualities of the animal he imitates when celebrating the goals he is rattling in these days with Les Girondins.
Fearless, aggressive and strong, the Honduran forward has pounced regularly in front of goal to re-energise a struggling Bordeaux side. Currently on-loan from Portuguese side Boavista, the 25-year-old has made a big impact, scoring with his first three shots on target in French football!
Elis' return now reads five goals in his last seven appearances, more than any other Ligue 1 player over the same period. His latest was the equaliser against Lyon last weekend, a goal that earned les Girondins a valuable point!
"I'm very happy with him!" Bordeaux boss Vladimir Petkovic told the Ligue 1 Show on Bein Sports. "He's a player who gives everything for the team. He doesn't look to be the centre of attention, but his performances ensure that he is. With the help of the team he can do great things, like he did against Lyon."
More than just a goal scorer, Elis showed his unselfish side against Lyon, making the final pass for Hwang Ui-Jo to net a goal that was eventually ruled offside… before repeating the feat by creating the chance for Bordeaux's opener.
"He's a guy who gives his all, all the time. The less glamorous work he does for the team doesn't go unnoticed either," continued Petkovic. "He creates big chances in the final third and always provides the ball carrier with a real option with his movement."
The panther is a solitary animal, and for the time being, Elis looks like the only man capable of lifting 17th-placed Bordeaux away from the drop zone. If the Girondins are to avoid a relegation dogfight, they could do with the rest of the pack following the Honduran's example...
And their next chance will come with Sunday's Ligue 1 Uber Eats Round 18 trip to promoted Troyes (15:00 CET).
