Bournemouth's Kroupi & Scott shortlisted for Premier League award

AFC Bournemouth’s remarkable season has been recognised once again after both Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott were shortlisted for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

The Cherries duo are among eight nominees for the prestigious accolade, with Bournemouth making up a quarter of the shortlist following an outstanding campaign under Andoni Iraola. Their inclusion highlights not only the club’s progress this season, but also the growing reputation of Bournemouth as a place where young talent can thrive on the Premier League stage.

French forward Junior Kroupi has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough season after arriving at the club in February 2025. The 19-year-old initially had to wait patiently for opportunities, but a goal-scoring cameo against Leeds United in September proved to be the turning point in his campaign.

Since then, Kroupi has become one of the most exciting young attackers in the division, scoring 12 Premier League goals in 31 appearances and establishing himself as Bournemouth’s leading scorer. His impact has been extraordinary considering his age and relative inexperience at the top level. Indeed, this has led to Kroupi being well regarded by a number of other Premier League clubs.

The teenager’s clinical nature in front of goal has particularly stood out. Averaging a goal every 121 minutes, Kroupi trails only Erling Haaland among the league’s most prolific scorers in terms of minutes-per-goal ratio. His finishing has brought a new edge to Bournemouth’s attack, with his intelligent movement and composure allowing him to thrive against some of the Premier League’s strongest defences.

Kroupi’s 12-goal haul also placed him alongside some elite company in Premier League history. He became the first teenager since Robbie Fowler in 1993/94 to score a dozen goals in a debut Premier League season, underlining just how impressive his rise has been. His rise has been commented on by a number of esteemed pundits, including Alan Shearer.

While Kroupi has dazzled in the final third, Alex Scott has quietly become one of the most important players in Bournemouth’s midfield.

The 22-year-old has produced a series of mature and influential performances throughout the campaign, featuring in 36 league matches and becoming a key figure in Iraola’s high-energy system. Scott has contributed three goals and an assist, but his influence stretches far beyond the statistics.

His energy, composure and technical quality have helped drive Bournemouth forward in midfield, while his defensive work and pressing ability have added balance to the side. Scott has also shown his ability to deliver in big moments, none more memorable than his stunning winning goal in Bournemouth’s shock victory over Arsenal earlier this season.

The former Bristol City midfielder has continued to develop into a complete box-to-box player, combining creativity with defensive resilience. His 84 per cent pass accuracy and strong ball-winning numbers reflect the consistency he has shown across the campaign, while his leadership qualities have become increasingly evident despite his young age.

Bournemouth’s representation on the shortlist is made even more impressive given the calibre of the other nominees, including Rayan Cherki, Kobbie Mainoo and Lewis Hall.

Fans can vote for the award until Monday, May 18, with the winner set to be announced next week following a combined vote between supporters and a panel of football experts.

Regardless of who ultimately claims the award, Bournemouth supporters will already feel they have two of the Premier League’s brightest young stars in their ranks. With Kroupi continuing to develop into a lethal goalscorer and Scott becoming the heartbeat of the midfield, both players are set to play a huge role as the Cherries continue their push towards European qualification and look to build on what has already been a historic campaign at the Vitality Stadium.

You can vote for your Young Player of the Season over on the Premier League website.