Four weeks ago, a new name appeared on Ligue 1 Uber Eats scoresheets - Eli Junior Kroupi! The League of Talents' latest precocious prodigy hasn't stopped setting records since, and is set to power on. Profile...
Teenage sensation indeed. With this header, Elie Junior Kroupi became Lorient’s youngest-ever top-flight goalscorer - just six minutes into the second start of his professional career!
Then in Round 8, a stunning double against Lyon made it three goals in eight first-team appearances for the 17-year-old!
Le Bris: 'A bright future'
"Playing football is pure joy for him," explained Lorient boss Régis Le Bris of his young star. "If he can continue enjoying himself this way, which I think he will, there is a bright future for him ahead, and for us too."
Kroupi’s second goal in Lyon had something familiar to it… It resembled this strike netted by his father, Lorient forward Elie Kroupi senior, in September 2001. Fast-forward 22 years and Elie Junior is lighting up Ligue 1 Uber Eats, but before finding the net himself, he provided two assists - against the current top two in the standings, Nice and Monaco.
Eye-catching!
"As well as being an undeniably talented footballer, he has attracted attention and people are gravitating around him but he is focused on enjoying his football," observed Le Bris. "That makes all the difference and it's a credit to him!"
Kroupi has pace, a delicate first touch and the ability to get in front of his man with ease. The future looks exceptionally bright for Lorient’s latest protegé!
>> Bakayoko: Eli Junior Kroupi 'reminds me of Kylian Mbappé'
