Robert Lewandowski - Barcelona’s biggest problem right now

Jacque Talbot

• 14 Dec 2023 16:59 GMT
• 3 min read

It’s no secret that Barcelona are struggling this season, but Robert Lewandowski is among the biggest issues for the club.

The forward is their highest earner - on a wage of €500,000 a week. It’s something that they really cannot afford given their financial issues at present.

This could be mitigated if Lewandowski was scoring goals, but he has found the net just three times in their last 12 games for the club.

Last season, he made a return of 33 goals in all competitions, but he is way off that this time around.

The veteran striker is the club’s top scorer around this campaign with eight goals. Elsewhere their goals have come via Raphinha and Ferran Torres, two players that the club are looking to sell next year. There have been links to the Saudi Pro League for Lewandowski. At 35 years old, you would think it would be wise for them to cash in and diversify that money into two younger attackers.

How poorly has Lewandowski played this season?

Lewandowski’s SciSkill development has dropped off by 3.7 this campaign - making for a significant decline over the past six months. Meanwhile, he is less than average for strikers in La Liga, according to data.

It’s a trend that is causing Barca - and their head coach Xavi - huge problems at present. In the Spanish league, they are in fourth spot following their 4-2 defeat to Girona in La Liga on Sunday - scoring 30 goals so far. This is the fifth-lowest in the league, with Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Girona, each having scored more goals.

In the match against Michel’s men, Lewandowski was on target in the match but also missed a good chance to equalise late.

After the display, the Poland international has taken to social media. He shared a picture of the team in a group hug with the caption: “The road ahead is paved with hard work. We will keep fighting.”