Players of the quality of FC Barcelona are often a very limited species in the world of football. Moreover, given the lack of finances at their disposal, they are even more difficult to acquire now. However, despite those problems, Barcelona felt that they invested in the right personnel.
Robert Lewandowski, for instance, is a prime example of this belief. Despite their understandable financial turmoil, Barcelona made sure to invest when they felt that the former Bayern Munich striker could be purchased. In return, he gave them quite the first season as the Blaugrana’s number 9.
However, the situation this season has been quite different for the Polish striker. In the latest fixture, as highlighted by SPORT, he even witnessed a shift in Xavi Hernandez’s faith in him during the latest fixture against Real Betis. The legendary number 9 was the first substitution that Xavi made in the game.
Replacing him with new arrival Vitor Roque, Lewandowski was given a clear message by the Barcelona coach. He is no longer untouchable for the Blaugrana manager and nor is he irreplaceable within the team.
His form has undoubtedly declined this season, and a player of Barça’s caliber can not be allowed to compete like that. In fact, he has not scored in his last four La Liga outings. Over the course of the last 12 league games, he has managed a total of 3 goals for La Blaugrana, disappointing numbers for a player of his quality.
In his stead, Ferran Torres has risen to the occasion. Even against Real Betis in the latest encounter, the Spaniard scored a hattrick and provided an assist. The two forwards alongside him, Lamine Yamal and Joao Felix, also contributed significantly to the win.
Barça need the Pole to regain his best version for them, no matter how he manages it. The season is now in its decisive phase, and Xavi needs all his assets to give their all. While other players are also compensating for his lack of goals, Lewandowski is still the primary contributor.
On a more positive note, he has been much more lethal in the recent cup games. Since Roque’s arrival, in fact, he has scored in three consecutive games. Against Barbastro, CA Osasuna, and then Real Madrid, Lewandowski was back on the scoresheet.
