Despite Barcelona’s success in La Liga, Robert Lewandowski has lost his scoring touch, which might be a major problem for the Catalan club. The most recent, and perhaps the glaring instance of Robert Lewandowski going cold in front of goal for Barca came during the second leg of Copa del Rey semifinal match against Real Madrid.
The Polish striker got in front of a stationary Eduardo Camavinga midway through the first half of the game, and flung his left foot at a cross. But since he awkwardly caught the ball, Thibaut Courtois just had to make a routine save. However, it was the sort of opportunity that Robert Lewandowski typically buries into the back of the net.
Lewandowski has scored just two goals in his past eight games for club and country and eight in his last 19. That’s a respectable return for anyone else. But it’s a legitimate ‘drought’ for a striker who was infamously denied the Ballon d’Or. Indeed, the veteran striker doesn’t typically go through periods like these. Lewandowski’s inconsistency may cause some to worry about the future of the Blaugrana, even though it won’t stop Barca from winning the La Liga for the first time in three years.
Something not quite right about Robert Lewandowski
Something with Robert Lewandowski at the moment just doesn’t seem quite right. It’s not just bad luck, he does appear to be making errant decisions, and his killer instinct has vanished. Such was the case in Barcelona and Girona’s lacklustre 0-0 draw last week. The striker had a clear shot at goal and had the opportunity to score with his left foot. Instead, he made an uncomfortable attempt to cut to his right, which gave a defender time to recover and stop him.
He missed an opportunity that the old Lewandowski would have buried in that same game despite being in acres of space as he blasted a shot just over the bar. In stoppage time, there was a bad backheel as well as the rare sloppy touch. Lewandowski may be making blunders because he is unfamiliar with the situation. For him, the objectives have never actually stopped. In fact, he hadn’t gone longer than three games without scoring since 2018 previous to this year.
A mini-drought out of nowhere
The 34-year-old had made a glowing start to his career at Barcelona, scoring 18 goals in all competitions prior to the World Cup. There are no glaring issues to criticise in this. The striker is still performing flawlessly. Like before, he continues to drift into the appropriate spaces. He continues to dive deep to link plays. To meet headers, he continues to vault above opponents.
But that finishing touch, which caused the ball to tremble against the back of the net, is no longer there. This is not unusual when considered alone. Robert Lewandowski is 34 years old, and while he has been the most productive striker in Europe for the previous ten years, goal droughts are a natural part of getting older. He had been performing despite having a knock, and according to reports, “couldn’t walk” after being struck in the back by Eder Militao in the Clasico last week.
Additional reasons exist as well. After serving a suspension for making a vulgar gesture at a referee, Lewandowski missed nearly a month of action and has since appeared to lose some of his rhythm. Furthermore, Barcelona’s system has changed for 2023, leaving the striker with just one wide attacking player to link up with.
Future in doubt
Without a doubt, Robert Lewandowski contributes significantly to Barcelona’s 13-point lead in La Liga with 10 games remaining. His 23 goal involvements at Camp Nou is a big improvement since it was Lionel Messi who last put on such numbers for the Catalans, who however left the club in the summer of 2021.
Not to be overlooked are his leadership skills, signing him wasn’t a mistake. He was a great investment at €50 million, especially as Barcelona lacked a clear No. 9 in their starting XI. As a result, Lewandowski received a huge contract from the Blaugrana after they realised he might be the missing link in their short-term success. The number-9 will still be with Barcelona for another three years.
However, Barca are now increasingly focusing on the issue of sustainability. The club has been outstanding this year, but they have undoubtedly benefited from a poor domestic campaign for Real Madrid, who with Atletico looming, could theoretically finish third. Real’s chances of improving the following year are good. Barcelona will have to respond in kind. Simply repeating this season won’t do the trick.
The squad is prepared for that. Development on the pitch is certain to occur because at least half of Barca’s probable starting XI for the upcoming season is under 25. However, things could stall in a key situation. There is no reason to replace or bench Lewandowski yet. He requires supervision. The Xavi revolution might lose steam if similar goal droughts happen more frequently.