FC Barcelona are facing a lot of problems on the pitch this season, and Xavi Hernandez will have to do a lot of work to diagnose these problems and look for remedies.
However, one problem that is pretty easy for Xavi to identify is the poor form of his main striker, Robert Lewandowski, this season. Despite being one of the most lethal and feared strikers in Europe, the Pole has been able to score only nine goals and give only four assists in eighteen games in all competitions this season.
Lewandowski’s 23 goals in 34 games last season were essential for Barcelona as the club won the La Liga title. This season, the forward has already claimed that the lack of chances created by the team is one of the reasons why he has not been able to reach the numbers he did last season.
Still, as SPORT has noted, a significant part of the blame lies with the Pole himself as well, as he is the striker who misses the most chances in the league, and has missed 12 clear scoring opportunities up to now.
Lewandowski has proved himself to be one of the most reliable forwards in his career at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. His numbers at these two clubs made Barcelona pay more than €50 million for him. But after a promising first season at the Catalan club, Lewandowski seems to be struggling in his second year.
Ousmane Dembele’s departure last summer is clearly affecting Lewandowski’s numbers, as the Frenchman was one of the best creators in the team. However, the Pole is also not finishing chances that get to his feet as he used to do, which should be a worrying sign for the club.
However, Xavi and Deco still trust the Pole and believe he will be able to turn things around in the coming months and weeks. Still, they will put the required pressure on him by bringing in Vitor Roque, as the team definitely needs more goals to remain alive in La Liga and the Champions League.