Eli Junior Kroupi
Country: France/Ivory Coast
Date of birth: 23/06/2006 (16 years old)
Place of birth: Lorient (France)
Height: —
Youth career: FC Lorient
Current club: FC Lorient
Squad number: —
Current national team: France U-17
Position: attacking midfielder, second striker, striker
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: —
Contract until: 30.06.2025
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Roberto Firmino/Karim Benzema
Strengths:
– pace 
– finishing
– off-the-ball movement
– technique
– ball control
– first touch
– link-up play
– flair
– creativity 
– passing
– dribbling
– agility
– versatility
To improve:
– operating with his left weaker foot
– heading ability
Style of play:
– false ‘9’/advanced striker
– mobile attacker who can operate effectively alone up front or offer versatility in the attacking duo
– excellent pace, footwork, agility, and coordination
– likes to play in a free attacking role granted the freedom to roam the pitch and find space
– superb off-the-ball movement and flair in the final third
– unselfish, creative, and intelligent player with very good passing and playmaking skills
– very skillful at beating his markers and evading pressure
– great sense of positioning while receiving through balls
– displays a natural technique to take fast decisions in tight spaces/under pressure
– very good first touch to make quick combinations with his teammates
– excellent link-up play and ability to connect with the midfield and attacking partners while playing with back to goal
– good dribbler who’s also prolific when attacking from deep/wing
– efficient with above-average decision-making for a player of his age
– extremely dangerous on the counter thanks to his pace and movement
– likes to press and hassle the opposition’s centre-backs and capitalize on their mistakes
– avoids using his left weaker foot
– competent set-piece taker
Kroupi loses his markers with a very good off-the-ball move and scores with a precise finish.
Kroupi wins the ball back after good pressing and scores with a stunning shot from the edge penalty area.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Striker in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
—
League summary (as for 4 December 2022):
National 2 2021/2022: 3 games/2 goals (Lorient B)
National 2 2022/2023 (ongoing): 5 games/1 goal (Lorient B)
Description:
Eli Junior Kroupi is a product of the FC Lorient youth academy. He is the son of former Ivorian international Elie Kroupi. Eli is one of the leaders of an interesting generation of French players born in 2006. He already made his debut for Lorient reserves and even scored a brace in his third game in the French 4th tier against AS Vitré. His first team debut for Les Merlus in the near future and following the footsteps of the likes of Enzo Le Fée is almost certain.
Quotes:
‘Being able to follow in my father’s footsteps is a great mark of pride, for him, for my family and of course for me. Signing my first professional contract with FC Lorient seemed completely logical to me. Today, I have everything to flourish and progress at FCL.’
(Eli Junior Kroupi after signing his first professional contract with Lorient)
Football Talent Scout potential rating:
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links: