Robert Lewandowski is Robert Lewandowski again. The Pole has scored five games in a row for Barça, regaining his smile after a summer made rare by Saudi Arabia’s long shadow and the striker’s difficulty in converting scoring chances. As soon as the team’s offensive performance increased again, the “killer instinct” came to the fore again. Although that didn’t happen, “Lewy” used cold blood, perseverance and patience to stay positive.
That’s no secret When the team started playing with four pure midfielders, the ability to create chances decreased. The Pole’s records, a classic finisher, suffered. This trend continued throughout the summer. Even in the first two days of the league. Barça struggled to create chances and Robert struggled to get into the game. It was still August and some voices emphasized Saudi Arabia’s interest in the Polish international.
Looking for a life waiting for better days
But Lewandowski never doubted or despaired. Logically, the striker was worried about playing less. The “9” tried to unburden himself by playing face-to-face… That is, looking for other ways he could continue to help his teammates. But a predator lives for the goal, and no matter how much he wants it, it shows when plans don’t go as they should.. At this point, fluid contact with Xavi and his experience allowed him to find a state of calm. Getting caught in a fear loop would have only made things worse Robert will take a deep breath and focus more on continuing to work than on thinking..
In a recent interview, the striker said that Barça are more dangerous when they attack more. And the reality is that in the last two games, where he played with three strikers, Robert has returned to his usual level: goals, assists and multiple chances. The arrival of Cancelo, Joao Félix and Gündogan as well as the “explosion” of Ferran were wonderful for the Pole. The Portuguese attacker has perfectly understood that he can create the greatest danger near the “9”, as he showed against Antwerp, Betis and Celta. The chemistry with Foios is best, while the relationship with Ilkay, with whom he shared a dressing room in Dortmund, goes even further.
Maximum communication and harmony with Xavi
Although there were some who interpreted Lewandowski’s statements as criticism, in reality the striker only made statements that were also shared by the coaching staff: The commitment to attacking football is non-negotiable but requires resources and good players. And on the left wing, no one has performed better so far than a natural midfielder, be it Pedri or Gavi. Precisely to increase the offensive performance, Xavi pushed for Cancelo, Gündogan and a top attacker, which ended up being Joao Félix.
Lewandowski, who paved the way for the comeback against Celta with a brace and scored his 100th European goal on Tuesday, is back at full speed as the team has moved up two gears. And how that happens “Lewy” lives again in the area where he feels most comfortable and no longer has to look for a life outside of it.. That was never his DNA.
On the other hand, the Pole’s “gasoline” tank is filled with targets. The higher the rating rate, the less fatigue. And vice versa. Given his current series of sensations, the striker feels physically in top shape. “I spoke to him on Friday and he told me he felt very good physically and confidently.”, explained Xavi after Barça-Celta. It will now be difficult for the coach to convince the striker to agree to the rotation sooner rather than later.
Taking care of Gavi, Lamine…
The role of a target buck is always a consequence of the game rather than a cause. It would be the latter if Robert had chances and couldn’t convert them, even though he has hardly had any real chances to score in the last few months.
On the field, the experienced striker once again feels like a fish in water, but off it he acts as an advisor to several young talents. It happens with Lamine, to whom he always gives instructions, or even with Gavi, with whom he gradually builds a loving “father-son” style relationship.
