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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterFor any young player making a name for themselves in the Premier League, this summers World Cup is an obvious next ambition.But for Bournemouths promising young French forward Eli Junior Kroupi, this dream comes with a clear sense of perspective.The 19-year-old has scored nine goals so far during his first season in England and his focus remains on the here and now - even if he does harbour clear long-term goals.Article continues below You may like 'Sometimes we don't agree': Eli Junior Kroupi on having a famous footballing father When it comes to attacking, he gives me a fair amount of freedom. He also tells me to enjoy myself. Thats the most important thing Junior Kroupi on playing under Andoni Iraola 'The Boy's A Bit Special' Bournemouth breakout puts elite clubs on red alert for France international of the future Kroupi on his World Cup ambitionI wouldnt say that its in the back of my mind, the teenager tells FourFourTwo when asked about the prospect of making Didier Deschamps squad later this year.Of course, its a dream. Playing a World Cup is a dream that every footballer has. But in order to win a place in the squad, you have to perform at club level, so for the time being Im staying focused on things at Bournemouth.Get VIP Bournemouth tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Bournemouth hospitality provides a polished experience in the intimate Vitality Stadium. Guests access the Cherry Orchard Restaurant for gourmet three-course dining (even including a breakfast option for early games!), premium padded seating, and a welcome drink. The package also includes half/full-time refreshments and an official programme.View DealI want to experience this season to the maximum, then well see what happens after that.With nine goals already in the Premier League this season, including an ice-cold penalty strike to seal a draw against Manchester United before the international break, Kroupi will no doubt be turning heads in the France set-up.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.And this mature mindset has been honed by a number of influences during his rise so far, with one player standing ahead of all.I admired Neymar, he continues. Hes my idol. Watching him play, when he was playing more regularly, was incredible.Then Id inevitably watch the strikers Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema and Edinson Cavani. I watched lots of strikers in particular Id look at how they moved and how they managed to do certain things. What to read next USMNT youngster with Olympic background vying for World Cup place Thomas Tuchel told me Keep doing what youre doing, keep performing, then youve got every chance of coming back with us I feel like I left a decent impression Bournemouth's Alex Scott tells FFT about message from England boss after first call-up 'The 2026 World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me. I either play at this one or never. Ive got to try and manifest it' Dan Burn is hoping to add an incredible chapter to his fairy tale career I always tried to take something from each of them and create my own style of play.As a youngster, Kroupi didnt support one particular club, explaining instead, somewhat intriguingly, he was a fan of the beauty of football. Of course, there were teams I liked such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.I watched loads of the big clubs in the English league and the Champions League. But my favourite club is still FC Lorient.Visit Las Vegas is the official training wear partner of AFC Bournemouth. For travel inspiration to the sports and entertainment capital of the world, head to visitlasvegas.com.TOPICSFranceWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromTom Williams
