Why Justin Kluivert Is In Pole Position to Fill Junior Kroupi's Boots

Last month's news of Junior Kroupi's injury was a frustrating blow for AFC Bournemouth fans, particularly after the Frenchman announced himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents last season.

But while fans will be disappointed to wait until around November to see him back in action, there is every reason to feel optimistic about the man who could step up in his absence.

Justin Kluivert has already shown what he is capable of in a Bournemouth shirt, and after an injury-hit campaign of his own, the Dutchman looks fit, sharp and ready to remind everyone exactly why he was once the Cherries' leading goalscorer.

With Kroupi unavailable for the opening months of the season, attention will inevitably turn towards those capable of contributing goals and creativity. Few have a stronger case than Kluivert.

After all, the Dutchman knows exactly what it takes to be Bournemouth's leading attacking figure. During the 2024/25 campaign, he finished as the club's top Premier League scorer with 12 goals, while also registering six assists. Yes, the subsequent season was disrupted by injury, this limiting his opportunities to build on that form, but there have been encouraging signs during pre-season that he is once again fit, sharp and ready to make an impact.

Justin has been regularly used in the number 10 role under new boss Rose, with the German's system at times allowing the attacking midfielder to push further forward and operate almost alongside the central striker. It is a role which could give the 27-year-old more opportunities to get into dangerous positions and add to Bournemouth's goal threat.

And if the Cherries are awarded a penalty, Kluivert has already shown that he is more than capable from 12 yards.

During the 2024/25 season, he converted all six of his Premier League penalties, including a remarkable hat-trick of spot-kicks against Wolves - the first player in Premier League history to do so.

With Kroupi sidelined, Kluivert's reliability from the penalty spot could become another important weapon for Rose's side.

There are also positive signs in the relationship already developing between Kluivert and his new manager.

Rose arrived on the south coast this summer following the departure of Andoni Iraola, whose work over the previous three years helped establish the Cherries as a Premier League side capable of challenging for Europe.

While Kluivert was keen to acknowledge the foundations left behind by Iraola, he believes Rose has brought something new to the squad.

"It's feeling amazing, I have to say. He brings a bit of fresh air", he told the Daily Echo. "Of course, what we've done with Andoni was amazing, and I think we have that in our team already, just installed what Andoni gave us. I think Marco, he brings a bit more to that".

"He just adds on to what we already did, and I really like it, and I want to see us grow in there, and I know for sure we will."

Rose's tactical approach has already included some subtle changes, including occasions where the number 10 has been encouraged to push higher and support the central striker.

For Kluivert, that flexibility appears to suit his game, saying: "I think it's very good. It suits me, I think, to sometimes play more on the ball or sometimes more up front. So I think the things he wants from me suits me and I can do very good in it."

That early positivity could prove important as Bournemouth prepare for one of the most intense seasons in the club's history. Premier League football will be combined with the Cherries' first-ever European campaign, meaning Rose will need contributions from throughout his squad.

Kluivert, who has previous European experience with Ajax, Roma and RB Leipzig, could be one of the players expected to lead from the front.

For Kluivert, European football provides the moments and are occasions that he wants to be involved in.

"That brings even more energy in the team and more pleasure because that's what you want to play. You want to play Europe and we are honoured to play in the Premier League also. So every game is the best game".

"That's why I became a footballer, to play those games in the Premier League and in Europe. I have a good feeling that we can do very good in Europe."

Those feelings appear to be shared by the man who will be relying on Kluivert to help Bournemouth navigate the opening weeks of the campaign.

Rose has been impressed by the Dutchman's condition during pre-season and has made clear that, with injuries affecting his attacking options, having Kluivert available and firing will be crucial.

"Everyone knows our situation, so we lost some players up front through injury, especially on this position with Junior and now with Amine, so it's important to have him. He's in a good spot, in a really good shape. He's fit now. He got more than 70 minutes".

The timing could hardly be more significant for Kluivert.

After an injury-disrupted campaign, he has the chance to begin the new season fully fit, playing in a system he believes suits him and under a manager who has already spoken about his importance to the side.

With Junior Kroupi facing a spell on the sidelines, Bournemouth will need others to step forward. Kluivert has already shown that he can be the club's leading goalscorer, create opportunities for those around him and deliver when it matters from the penalty spot.

Now, as the Cherries prepare for the Premier League and the biggest European adventure in their history, the Dutchman could be ready to take centre stage once again.