Even as FC Barcelona continue their quest to march towards defending and retaining their La Liga title from last season following an exciting win over Villarreal at the Estadio De La Ceramica, there are certain concerns that remain alive within the walls of FC Barcelona.
Chief among them remains the rather slow progression and worrying goal-scoring rate of their star talisman, Robert Lewandowski. The 35-year-old former Bayern Munich forward ended up winning the La Liga Pichichi award last season, but his scoring rate this entire year has been rather dull in comparison to his usual brilliance.
Even his most recent goal, as highlighted by Spanish outlet SPORT, required an open net to have been present in front of him to take advantage of a shot initiated by 16-year-old youngster Lamine Yamal. Other than that, the Polish striker often looks isolated and even lethargic at times when in possession.
This was also his first official goal since May, and his current scoring tally in 2023 sees him having scored only 15 times in the last 28 games.
While this tally may not be seen as a bad one for most strikers, Robert Lewandowski does not hold the expectations most strikers do given his world-class reputation and rather otherworldly prior scoring ratios.
Despite the confidence entrusted upon him by Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, the Pole continues to struggle at times and his age of 35 is surely playing a huge role in his rather slowed progression over the course of this year in particular.
Moreover, given his age and the fact that Barcelona still has him under contract for 3 more years remains a concerning ordeal if his performances continue to remain as they are. Furthermore, he would likely lose even more prominence within the team should Brazilian prodigy Vitor Roque end up arriving in January.
The games that he takes part in continue to be solved by others around him whether it be midfielders or new emerging youngsters. Barcelona expect more of Lewandowski, and it is clear that he will need to step up in order to fulfill those expectations.
