Bournemouth news: Joe Partington on Eli Junior Kroupi's nomination at Ballon d'Or

Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington believes Eli Junior Kroupi has received "rightful recognition" after being nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Men's Young Talent of the Year award.

The 20-year-old, who is currently recovering from a broken foot, scored 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions last season.

"It is just mad, isn't it?" Partington said on BBC Radio Solent's Cherries Unpicked podcast. "We've had some exceptionally talented young players at this football club, but never one who has been involved in the Golden Boy award at the Ballon d'Or.

"Eli Junior Kroupi did perform exceptionally well last season. Bournemouth really are missing him at the moment, there is a big hole in the team. They are missing him being a slight maverick, being a bit more creative and being able to take risks.

"Bournemouth feel a bit safe in their playing style at the moment, and he is a bums-off-seats kind of player. When he gets the ball in and around the box, people expect him to beat the goalkeeper or hit the target.

"It is rightful recognition for him to be included in those top 10 best young players in the word. Will he win the award? I would say the likelihood is probably not, but it is great confirmation Bournemouth's recruitment team continue to hit the mark.

"Hopefully he is able to overcome this foot injury now and recapture the form that put him in this position in the first place."

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