Robert Lewandowski was once again a star performer for Barcelona as they secured a 3-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, notably scoring one of the goals.
It was the tenth goal for Lewandowski this season. To put things into perspective, the last time Lewandowski scored 10 goals or below in a season was during his first season at Borussia Dortmund in 2010/11.
Since then, Lewandowski has been scoring goals for fun, and it has been no exception at Barcelona, where he adopted a far more efficient role under Hansi Flick.
Less is more for Lewandowski as he gets older
Interestingly, as pointed out by SPORT, Lewandowski’s effectiveness has peaked as his minutes have dropped.
Under the previous manager, Xavi Hernandez, Lewandowski played virtually every minute. Now, under Hansi Flick, he is managed with surgical precision.
Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona captain
Lewandowski is more efficient under Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
This season, the striker has played the full 90 minutes in just 20% of his matches. Yet, the result is lethal efficiency.
He is currently averaging a goal every 100.8 minutes (10 goals so far), a rate second only to his incredible 42-goal haul last season, where he struck every 93.5 minutes.
Lewandowski gives Barcelona reason to rethink
With his contract at Camp Nou expiring at the end of the season, many expect Lewandowski to move on due to concerns over longevity as well as a high salary package.
However, the Pole remains committed to the Barcelona project and has shown no desire to leave just yet. His improved efficiency, meanwhile, may give the club reason to rethink their stance on the player.
Lewandowski, for his part, is willing to discuss every possibility and as the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Pole can convince the Barcelona bosses to extend his contract for another year.