English Premier League: Preview to Bournemouth v Fulham
A New Game Changer for the Cherries?
Plenty has been said about Bournemouth's organized defense following a significant reshuffle in their backline, but it was an attacking recruit who stole the spotlight in the fixture against the Whites.
Kroupi was acquired to add cover for top scorer the Brazilian forward in the team's attack, and it was his late strike that earned Iraola's side a vital result away from home.
The forward bagged an impressive thirteen goals in the same number of matches for FC Lorient last season, which helped the club on their way to promotion into the first division in France.
Going from the French second tier to the EPL was always expected to be a tough ask and, as predicted, the player has so far been limited to an impact substitute.
His introduction at the last game was during the Bournemouth taking a ‘throw the kitchen sink at it’ strategy, but his calmness to slot home during injury time could prove to be a valuable weapon in future.
A consistent goalscorer will know where the net is at any level and he showed that with the way he positioned himself and neatly tucked away when needed – a pivotal moment for him.
Will the striker see increased playing time after his influence on Saturday? Perhaps. But one thing is certain, Andoni Iraola's side have discovered one more component in Iraola's efficient setup.
