Debunking a false narrative:
“Lewandowski failing to show up in big games for Barca.”
(A Thread).
“Lewandowski failing to show up in big games for Barca.”
(A Thread).
33 goals & 8 assists, but some are still unhappy with the 34 year old striker’s first season in a Barca shirt.
The narrative that he hasn’t stepped up in big games has been mentioned numerous times, but is it fair?…
The narrative that he hasn’t stepped up in big games has been mentioned numerous times, but is it fair?…
First of all, there exist no proper definition of a big game. However, it’s often used about games vs top teams, or in knockout competitions such as the UCL.
In the league, each game is big. Real Madrid didn’t lose La Liga because they lost to Barca. It was the other games..
In the league, each game is big. Real Madrid didn’t lose La Liga because they lost to Barca. It was the other games..
Even so, if we look at Lewandowski’s contributions against top 5 teams in La Liga and the UCL, it’s not as bad as the narrative suggests.
In Champions League, Lewandowski scored 5 goals in 5 games from an xG of 3.2. Scored more than he was expected to.
• 3 goals vs Plzen
• 2 goals vs Inter
Now, I consider 4/6 games in the UCL as big/important. The last two did not matter as we were already out.
• 3 goals vs Plzen
• 2 goals vs Inter
Now, I consider 4/6 games in the UCL as big/important. The last two did not matter as we were already out.
A hat trick in the opening game gave Barca the perfect start. In the next game vs Bayern, Barca played some of the best football in years. Lewandowski should have scored, but failed. That’s fair.
Moving on, Barca played two decisive games vs Inter.
Moving on, Barca played two decisive games vs Inter.
In the first clash, Barca lost 1-0. Inter played with a back five, and Lewandowski received little support. Even so, Barca were denied a clear penalty, which Lewandowski would have taken.
In the second game he scored twice, but Barca’s defending wasn’t good enough.
In the second game he scored twice, but Barca’s defending wasn’t good enough.
In La Liga, this is Lewandowski’s record vs top 5:
5 goals & 2 assists. In Barca’s remarkable 2-1 win against Real Madrid, Lewandowski had no direct goal contributions, but he was heavily involved in our winning goal. Important to acknowledge.
5 goals & 2 assists. In Barca’s remarkable 2-1 win against Real Madrid, Lewandowski had no direct goal contributions, but he was heavily involved in our winning goal. Important to acknowledge.
Lewandowski also stepped up in the Supercopa final vs Rea Madrid. 1 goal and 1 assist in Barca’s best game of the season. He played in the right surroundings - Barca’s strongest XI. Crucial.
Injuries have often lead to the lack of creativity in the final third. It hurts a player like Lewandowski, who relies on proper service.
Given the circumstances, Lewandowski has had a wonderful season for Barca.
Given the circumstances, Lewandowski has had a wonderful season for Barca.
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