Bayern Munich: Robert Lewandowski leading the race for Ballon d’Or
Robert Lewandowski deserves Ballon d’Or after prolific year with Bayern Munich.
It was a happy ending to the domestic campaign for Bayern Munich on Saturday. After making a strong comeback in Ruckrunde to win Bundesliga title, Die Roten also retained DFB Pokal through a 4-2 win against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
The game was drifting towards an interesting finish as Leverkusen made a strong start to the second half after going two goals down in the first 45 minutes. However, Robert Lewandowski had different plans as he tripled his team’s lead just after the hour mark. It has been the story of Lewandowski’s season, ruthless and coming clutch for his team.
Lewandowski went on to score another goal at the end to put the game beyond Leverkusen’s reach. This brace rounded off a remarkable domestic campaign for the Polish striker. These were his 50th and 51st goals of the season, most in Europe this year.
The Pole found the back of net 34 times in Bundesliga, scoring against every team in the division. With the number of goals he has contributed this season, Hansi Flick has backed him to win Ballon d’Or. Speaking to media on Saturday (via Goal), Flick admitted that his number nine has done everything possible to be a leading candidate to win this prestigious individual award.
"“Fifty-one goals are already very strong. The first goal Lewy scored, the third goal we scored, was already excellent.”“If I measure for goals now and I see that he has scored 34 goals in the Bundesliga this year, then you can think about how a player from the Bundesliga can become the Ballon d’Or winner. So why not? He has laid all the groundwork with this achievement this year and I would wish him well.”"
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It was not long ago when Lewandowski was agitating for a move away from Bavaria. However, the German club was in no mood to lose their talisman in the attack to one of their European rivals. The Pole took the failure to get a move on the chin and contributed to the team’s success last season.
After getting public backing from the club hierarchy, Lewandowski felt much more settled in Bavaria. He ended up signing a new deal this season which will see him spending the next three years at the club. After getting clarity about his future, Lewandowski has been much more lethal in the final third.
The Polish striker has shown immense work rate throughout the campaign. He works tirelessly every game and helps in bringing other forwards into the game. Most importantly, his influence in big games has improved. He has been subject to criticism on numerous occasions for being anonymous against top clubs.
dark. Next. Takeaways as Bayern retain DFB Pokal against Leverkusen
Lewandowski and his team are chasing the treble as they have one foot in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. He has already done enough to win Ballon d’Or, outscoring Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi this season. The Pole should be the leading candidate to win it for his overall influence in this Bayern team. If he manages to get his hand around the Champions League trophy next month, then he will seal the Ballon d’Or award.