Assessing Robert Lewandowski’s brilliant start for Bayern Munich this season

Robert Lewandowski has been prolific for Bayern Munich this season as he became the first player in Bundesliga history to score eleven goals in the opening seven fixtures.

Signed on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2014, Robert Lewandowski has been a key figure since his arrival at the Sabaener Strasse for FC Bayern Munich.

The 31-year old has won the Torjagerkanone four times in the last six seasons, which is awarded by German football magazine- Kicker. Considering his current form, Robert Lewandowski looks poised to finish as the top scorer again this season.

Poland international currently leads the scoring charts in the Bundesliga, six goals ahead of Paco Alcacer, and Timo Werner, who have scored five goals each.

Comparing across other European leagues, Lewandowski has managed to score a goal every 55 minutes placing him ahead of Premier League’s lead scorers, Tammy Abraham and Sergio Aguero, who have scored eight goals each, averaging 71 minutes per goal. (Stats courtesy: WhoScored)

Even his tally since the start of 2019 to date has been amazing. Lewandowski has 26 goals to his name, two goals less than Lionel Messi. Further filtering out this statistic, and using pure center-forwards for a precise analogy, Lewandowski leads the chart with 32 contributions to goals that include six assists. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)

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Robert Lewandowski has often given credit to Jurgen Klopp, his former manager at Borussia Dortmund for his early development as a striker. While Klopp can take all the plaudits for Lewandowski’s prowess in front of goal, there is something innate to the Polish forward that makes him stand out from other strikers in the world.

Lewandowski is an epitome of a perfect number nine. Rather than just playing as a target man, donning the number nine shirt, Lewandowski also heavily participates in build-up play. It is his movement and positioning that makes him so deadly in front of the goal. Instead of standing in the center and waiting for the ball to arrive, Lewandowski makes room for his teammates as he often pulls deep or deviates from his usual central position to baffle the opposition defenders.

The Pole is distributing balls in the attacking third and then arrive in the goal-scoring zone to apply the finishing touches to the move. Lewandowski is averaging 45 touches per game for Bayern’s last seven fixtures in all competitions, thanks to his tireless work-rate. Moreover, he makes himself available in between the passing channels to find the perfect spot to pull the trigger.

It is this maneuver that lets him run-in behind the defenders and score goals on the counter. Speaking of counter-attacks, Lewandowski has not lost much pace despite turning 31 in August. While Lewandowski might not be the fastest player on the field, he can burst in short durations with blistering speed, and beat his man to score a goal.

Complementing his positioning is another skill that Lewandowski has showcased for a long time now. It is his shrewd awareness in front of the goal. Whether it is flicking the ball from a cross or controlling it on the chest and scoring on the turn, Lewandowski knows where the goal is, and he makes scoring look easy with his sublime finishing ability. It should not be a surprise that Lewandowski has taken 4.9 shots per game in the Bundesliga so far which takes his goal conversion rate to an astonishing 32%. (Stats courtesy: WhoScored)

To support these attributes, Lewandowski has the physique to dominate his markers and find room to score the goal with finesse. The Polish striker is confident that he can play at the top level for at least four more years. Lewandowski does take his diet and fitness regime seriously.

The list of talents discussed above is not an exhaustive one. There is so much more than Lewandowski can offer. If he can continue with his current form, this could finally be the year where he can claim the European Golden Shoe award, which will make him the second Bayern player after Gerd Muller to achieve this feat.

Although having a player like Lewandowski is a boon for FC Bayern, it is also a matter of concern. Bayern have scored 20 goals in their domestic league so far which makes Lewandowski contributing 55% of that tally. Die Roten needs to find a way to extract more goals from other forwards.