Justin Kluivert sends three-word message to Bournemouth fans after Brighton loss
Justin Kluivert has sent a message to disappointed Bournemouth fans following the 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Netherlands international scored the Cherries’ only goal of the match on 25 February, scoring the equaliser following Joao Pedro’s early spot-kick.
He was one of the main driving forces for Andoni Iraola’s side, a manager who has massively impressed at Bournemouth despite only arriving in the summer of 2023.
Kluivert’s efforts were not enough for his team to come away from the Amex Stadium with any points, however, as Danny Welbeck scored late on, with help from Brighton’s £45million man Georginio Rutter.
Justin Kluivert promises more to disappointed Bournemouth fans
Having scored his 12th goal of the Premier League campaign, Kluivert took to his Instagram story [25 February], writing: “We keep going,” with praying hand emojis.
This is by far the Dutchman’s best season in Bournemouth colours, registering 12 goals and five assists in 26 appearances, even with six of the goals coming from the penalty spot.
Antoine Semenyo, who is now Newcastle’s “top priority” signing this summer, has seen his form drop somewhat in recent weeks, meaning another star has had to step up ahead of him.
Andoni Iraola can still secure European football for Bournemouth
Football Insider verdict
Parting ways with Gary O’Neil shocked everyone in the Premier League, but seeing how far the Cherries have come in such a short amount of time under Iraola, it was an incredible decision.
With Bournemouth only separated by three points from fourth-place Chelsea, Champions League qualification is still in the team’s grasp, though they have many to contend with.
| Justin Kluivert v Brighton | Stat, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Chances created | 6 |
| Dribbles completed | 7 (70%) |
| Ground duels won | 11 (52%) |
Nottingham Forest, Man City, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham and Aston Villa are all fighting for a spot in the most prestigious club competition ahead of next season.
Iraola will certainly have Kluivert to thank if his side can secure this incredible achievement at the end of the season, but his current form will need to continue right until the end of the season.
No other player comes close to him this season, with Semenyo and Dango Ouattara’s 11 goal contributions the closest to Kluivert’s 17 in the Premier League.