Ex-Chelsea star Bakayoko identifies next Mbappe

Ex-Chelsea star Bakayoko identifies next Mbappe

Faruq Ibrahim 23:54 - 11.10.2023

Tiemouse Bakayo draw similarities between his current teammate Eli Junior Kroupi and Kylian Mbappe.

Former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has identified a young talent he believes has similarities to Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe. 

The 24-year-old World Cup winner is widely regarded as the best player in the world, and Bakayoko, who was his teammate at Monaco and witnessed him in his formative years, claims Eli Junior Kroupi has similarities with him. 

Eli Junior Kroupi 

The former AC Milan midfielder compared his 17-year-old teammate, Eli Junior Kroupi, to global superstar Mbappe.  

Kroupi is a France u-17 international, and although he made his debut last season, it is in this term that he is truly blossoming. 

He has registered an appearance in each of Lorient's last seven games in the league and has made five goal contributions, three goals, and two assists in only four starts.   

Eli Junior Koupi || Image credit: Imago
Eli Junior Koupi || Image credit: Imago
Kylian Mbappe is being coveted by a number of top clubs and remains Real Madrid's main project.. (Photo Credit: Daily Mail)
Kylian Mbappe is being coveted by a number of top clubs and remains Real Madrid's main project.. (Photo Credit: Daily Mail)

As Lamine Yamal did over the weekend in Barcelona's draw with Granada, becoming the youngest goal scorer in LALIGA history, Koupi achieved similar success this season; at 17 years and 92 days, he became the youngest goalscorer in Ligue 1 history with his 6th-minute strike against Nantes. 

What Bakayoko said 

 Bakayoko believes Kroupi is a phenomenon and is destined for the top. He likened the youngster to Mbappe, saying they both show maturity beyond their years in their play.  

“He’s a phenomenon. He reminds me a little of Kylian Mbappé in terms of the maturity of his game. He already has good stats for a youngster his age,” Bakayoko said, per GFFN.

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