Vitor Roque (and Xavi) 'shoot' Lewandowski

The arrival of the Brazilian forward Vitor Roque to FC Barcelona has coincided with a resurgence in the form of Robert Lewandowski, who has been showcasing his best performance in over a year. Lewandowski has stepped up to become the heart and soul of FC Barcelona under the guidance of Xavi. While other players like Gündogan and Araujo have also shone, it is Lewandowski who has truly embodied the team's spirit.

Influencing the team dynamics, initiating the press, and plugging defensive gaps, Lewandowski has been instrumental in Barcelona's recent successes. His goal against Naples, where he expertly created space in the box, demonstrated his regained form and prowess. With Lewandowski back to his best, Xavi is realizing the full potential of his team and the impact that the Polish striker has across all aspects of the game.

The Most Veteran to Score for Barça in the Champions League

Lewandowski made history by becoming the oldest player to score for Barcelona in the Champions League at 35 years and 184 days. His experience and leadership on the field have been invaluable to the team, especially in high-pressure situations like Champions League matches.

Barcelona's strong pressing game in the initial 25-30 minutes against Naples disrupted their opponents' strategies and set the tone for the match. The team under Xavi's leadership executed a cohesive defensive plan that limited Naples' attacking options. Lewandowski played a key role in starting the press and driving Barcelona forward, showcasing his all-around abilities.

Starting the Pressure

Even though Barcelona took a slight step back after the early pressure, Lewandowski continued to lead by example. His recent form has been outstanding, with five goals in the last four games and a total of nine goals in 2024. This goal-scoring streak represents a significant improvement from his earlier performances this season, highlighting his consistency and impact on the team's results.

Vitor Roque's arrival at Barcelona seems to have motivated Lewandowski further, pushing him to elevate his game. The Brazilian's presence has added depth to the squad and created healthy competition within the team. Additionally, Xavi's tactical decisions, including substituting Lewandowski in critical moments, have challenged the striker to perform at his best.

Stopped Being 'Untouchable'

Xavi's strategic substitutions and proactive approach have played a role in Lewandowski's resurgence. By not hesitating to replace the Polish striker in certain situations, Xavi has kept Lewandowski on his toes and motivated him to maintain high standards. Lewandowski's professionalism and commitment have been commendable, as he has responded positively to the challenges posed by his coach.

In conclusion, the combination of factors including Vitor Roque's arrival, Xavi's coaching decisions, and Lewandowski's own determination has led to a remarkable transformation in the striker's performance at FC Barcelona. Lewandowski's impact on the team's success cannot be understated, and his recent feats on the field highlight his importance as a key player for the club.