The 19-year-old boy scored in consecutive games, and Bournemouth found another treasure

Bournemouth have found a treasure again, this seems to have become their habit.

In recent seasons, the "Cherry Army" has successively developed Kyle Ketz, Huizen, Zabarny and Semenyo from promising young people into mature top stars.

The first three players moved to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris this summer respectively, bringing transfer revenue of 144.5 million pounds to Bournemouth; the latter is the hottest star of the "Cherry Army" today.

Now, a young man named Eli Crupi Jr. has emerged again. After scoring 3 goals in two games against Leeds United and Crystal Palace, the 19-year-old French forward scored a wonderful goal in Bournemouth's 2:0 victory over Nottingham Forest on October 26, helping the "Cherry Army" to rise to second place in the Premier League standings.

This "flying fairy" nearly 30 meters away from the goal became Crupi's fourth goal this season. Among the young players in the five major European leagues, only Frankfurt's Jan Uzun scored more league goals than him.

"He is already an excellent finisher," said Liverpool star Danny Murphy. "He has just joined Bournemouth not long ago, but he seems to already know his role in the team."

"He performs well without the ball, performs well under pressure, and works hard - when Bournemouth attacks, he can always find a good position."

"Bournemouth has a lot of talent. Multiple players, even if they sell some players, the remaining players can become real stars in the Premier League and their signings have been outstanding. "

Crupi inherited his father's business

Crupi was born on June 23, 2006. In February 2025, Crupi moved to Bournemouth from French Ligue 1 Lorient for 13 million euros, but Bournemouth immediately kept him in Lorient on loan. At the end of the season, the Cherries, which sold many of their main players, recalled Crupi as a substitute for Brazilian forward Evan Nelson.

Crupi had many record-breaking experiences growing up. The graduate of the Lorient youth academy made his debut for the Lorient senior team on the last day of the 2022-23 season. He was only 16 years and 345 days old, making him the youngest player in the history of the Lorient first team.

In September 2023, he scored his first senior team goal in Lorient's 3:5 loss to Nantes in Ligue 1, becoming the youngest scorer in the history of Lorient's first team. The previous record holder was Ghanaian forward Andre Ayew, who played for Swansea, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.

Just two weeks later, Crupi became the youngest player to score twice in Ligue 1 since 1974. His two goals helped Lorient draw with Lyon 3:3 away from home.

It is worth mentioning that Elie Crupi Jr.’s father is former Ivory Coast player Elie Crupi, who won the French Cup with Lorient in 2002, which was Lorient’s only national championship in the 99 years since the team was founded. Last season, Crupi played a key role in helping Lorient return to Ligue 1. He scored 22 goals in 30 appearances in Ligue 2.

After the start of the season, Evan Nelson suffered a calf injury and Bournemouth's other Turkish forward Yunar was out for a long time with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This gave Crupi a good opportunity to impress his new club - and he seized the opportunity.

"Crupi is a finisher," said Bournemouth coach Illaura. "His advantage is that he can smell opportunities. His left and right foot shots are very good."

"He must make more progress in his game. He faces the Premier League and we still hope that he can have more Progress."

"But if he can help us achieve our goals, we will always welcome it."

Iraura refuses to talk about a contract extension now

After the comfortable victory over Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth fans may save a screenshot or two of the Premier League table as a souvenir.

The "Cherries" have accumulated 18 points after 9 games, which is their highest score at this stage in the top flight, surpassing the 17 points they scored under Eddie Howe in the 2018-19 season.

After losing to defending champion Liverpool in the first round, they went unbeaten for 8 consecutive rounds, setting a record for the team's longest unbeaten streak in the Premier League. In addition, they have achieved 4 clean sheets, only Newcastle and Arsenal have more clean sheets than them.

"It's really enjoyable to watch them play because they are full of energy," Danny Murphy said. "When necessary, they will invest a lot of troops on the defensive end, but they will not just be passive. Generally speaking, their attitude is to go all out and win the game."

"They are a breath of fresh air. There is currently no sign that they will decline. Their position in the standings was achieved entirely through hard power."

However, those who often watch Illaura's post-match interviews found that the 43-year-old head coach is trying to downplay the team's excellent start.

"This is just the beginning," he said. "This season, the gap between the teams is very small. Before the international break, we have away games against Manchester City and Aston Villa, so it will be difficult to get more points."

According to reports, Bournemouth boss Bill Foley appeared at the Vitality Stadium on the 26th, with the purpose of negotiating a contract extension with Illaura. The Spanish coach's contract will expire at the end of this season.

But as expected, Elora refused to think too far into the future.

"My boss and I talk a lot," he said. "Even if he doesn't come to the scene, we will keep in touch."

"We have a very good relationship. There will be time to talk again in the future, but it has just begun."