Robert Lewandowski breaks Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona record
Robert Lewandowski has surpassed Johan Cruyff's goal tally for Barcelona. The Pole scored twice on his side's La Liga opener against Valencia on Saturday, August 17.
Hugo Duro gave Valencia the lead at the Mestalla in the 44th minute. Lewandowski struck twice in quick succession (45+6', 49' P) to turn the game on its head and gain Hansi Flick's side three crucial points following a 2-1 victory.
The Pole, currently in his third season at the Catalan club, has scored 61 goals in 96 appearances and also has 17 assists to his name. The legendary Johan Cruyff scored 60 goals and provided 24 assists in 180 matches for La Blaugrana. Cruyff, though, played as an attacking midfielder while Lewandowski is an out-and-out striker.
Lewandowski scored 33 goals in 46 appearances in 2022-23, his first season at Barcelona. Last season, he netted 26 goals in 49 appearances. The 35-year-old is up and running in his 2024-25 campaign in style, having scored twice in one game.
Lewandowski's club have started a new chapter under Flick's tutelage. The German manager took charge after Xavi's dismissal at the end of the 2023-24 season. Barca return to action on August 24 to host Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga clash.
Hansi Flick names two Barcelona players who can play behind Robert Lewandowski
Given Robert Lewandowski's form at the start of the season, he looks set to lead Barcelona's attack this term. Hansi Flick has now named the two players who could operate behind the Pole.
Speaking about his choices for the number 10 position, Flick has named Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as the candidates. While both players have mainly played as wingers, Flick said after the Valencia game (via Barca Universal):
"Lamine or Raphinha could play behind the striker, either of them."
Further waxing lyrical about Yamal, Flick said:
"Lamine Yamal is a fantastic player, I am glad he's with us."
Lamine Yamal has shown his versatility in recent times. Although he has primarily operated as a right winger, the youngster has the ability to adapt. Raphinha is another player who could do that.
Apart from that, Barcelona have also signed Dani Olmo, who is a number 10 by trait. Pedri often played in that position for Spain during the recently concluded Euro 2024. Hence, Flick has options to pick from and experiment with his team's shape.