Robert Lewandowski's Resurgence: Reborn Under Hansi Flick at Barcelona ⁤

The former Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is back! And the 36-year old striker is starting to look like the similar man that used to dominate Bayern Munich title campaigns. Barca are in great form under their new boss Hansi Flick . Together with Lewandowski they're on an unbeaten run, making history and putting him among Europe's top scorers. Was it a one-off return or is Lewandowski putting the fire in his glittering career?

Lewandowski's Reunion with Hansi Flick: A Match Made in Football Heaven ⁤

When Hansi Flick was named Barcelona’s manager for 2024/25 , no one looked forward to anything less. That’s right, the man with whom Lewandowski had one of his finest seasons at Bayern Munich, a Bundesliga campaign in history. They’re back together and Lewandowski is gone far, and now more terrifying than ever.

Lewandowski has scored 14 goals over his first 12 appearances this season, a staggering 1.16 goals per game. That’s in line with his finest Bayern seasons, and demonstrates how well Flick’s setup can work for the striker. The tactical additions of Flick, such as a more swift flow and a quickening attack, have made Lewa not only a finisher but a creator. He’s been playing more build-up, giving assists and creating floor space for teammates and that proves that he’s not a one-dimensional player.

Flick's arrival has undeniably helped Barcelona overall, with players like Pedri, Raphinha, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal flourishing. ⁤⁤But it's Lewandowski who has been the biggest beneficiary, reminding the world why he's one of the greatest No.9s of this era. ⁤

From Doubts to Dominance: Lewandowski Silencing His Critics ⁤

Lewandowski hasn’t always had an easy time at Barcelona. When he came from Bayern Munich for 45 million in 2022, it was hard to believe that signing a 34-year-old striker at a time when Barcelona was in such financial turmoil was a wise move. The late Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann even took aim, adding: "It’s the only club in the world that can buy players without having money.

But Lewandowski proved that he is worth the cost quickly by scoring 23 times in 34 La Liga matches, helping Barcelona to win the Spanish title. His old coach Xavi was complimentary of Lewa: "He makes the team play. He reads space perfectly. I love it!" But it wasn’t a long love. By the 2023/24 season, Lewandowski had become a different player, losing his prolific scoring percentage and appearing a little slower on the field.

Many wondered if age had finally caught up with him. He scored 19 La Liga goals last season — his lowest figure since his arrival at Bayern in 2014/15. Barcelona even acquired Brazilian teen star Vitor Roque as a replacement. But Roque faltered and was sold to Real Betis, and that gave Lewandowski a second shotand he’s been using it up.

Flick Effect: A New Lewandowski in Barcelona’s High-Intensity System ⁤

With Hansi Flick in charge, Barcelona’s whole game evolved. The fitness of Flick and a high-pressure style of play has allowed the team to hold their own in the final minutes where they lost their way so often last season. Pedri, a midfielder, emphasised this change, "The new fitness coaches are awesome for us. They don’t slack after the 70th or 80th minute, they are all as fit."⁤

That new intensity has changed everything for Lewandowski. With a new creative trio in Raphinha and Pedri, and playing with Flick's favourite 4-2-3-1 formation, Lewandowski has more minutes in the box. I’m getting more opportunities and passes,’ he said. But everyone on the pitch is doing what they can. We all look better on the field.

Lewandowski himself has seen the difference. "I get up in the morning and I don’t feel pain. I don’t feel tired, and I feel physically good even now at 36," he admitted. That’s different than last season, when sometimes it felt like he lost his legs. The Polish striker is now showing that he still has plenty of fuel left in the tank.

Breaking Records and Chasing Legends: Lewandowski's Place Among Football's Elite ⁤

Lewandowski isn’t only reinventing the game; he’s changing the record as well. He scored two times in Barcelona’s recent 2-1 victory against Sevilla, making him 366 in Europe’s top leagues for the season. That puts him three goals over German great Gerd Müller and placed him third in all-time goals, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. ⁤

It speaks to Lewandowski’s consistency and longevity at the pinnacle of European football. Where Messi and Ronaldo occupied the spotlight for 10 years and more, Lewandowski has kept pace quietly with goal after goal. And now, 36, he isn’t slowing down. He could even catch up to the two best players of this generation if he plays like this.

The Ultimate Test: El Clásico Awaits ⁤

In the next few days, Lewandowski’s comeback will be tested further. Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first El Clásico of the season, with that one set to decide the La Liga title race. Real Madrid is second in the table behind Barcelona, and this contest can be a title decider. ⁤

And with Lewandowski in blistering form, Barca supporters can only wait for their No.9 to deliver once again on a grand scale. He’s already scored 14 goals this season and, if he can maintain this fine form, it’ll confirm his place back at the top of European football. We will be looking for him against players like Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba on the Madrid side. ⁤

As Flick rightly said, “For me, in front of goal, he's the best.” Whether Lewandowski can live up to that billing in the Clásico remains to be seen, but one thing is for sureᅳthis is the best version of Lewandowski Barcelona has seen. ⁤⁤And it looks like he's here to stay. ⁤

Lewandowski's Revival Is No Fluke ⁤

⁤Robert Lewandowski's resurgence under Hansi Flick has been nothing short of remarkable. ⁤⁤From doubts about his future at Barcelona to being mentioned alongside Messi and Ronaldo, the Polish striker is proving that age is just a number. ⁤⁤With Barcelona looking fitter and sharper under Flick, and Lewandowski firing on all cylinders, the stage is set for an exciting season. ⁤

And with El Clásico on the horizon, Lewa's fairytale comeback could be about to hit even greater heights. ⁤