55 goals hard to match as Lewandowski expects more rotation

Robert Lewandowski was briefly flummoxed by question. Who does he rate as best strikers in world football?

“It’s difficult to say exactly, because what does it mean ‘ striker’?" Bayern Munich star wondered. “If you are speaking about . 9 ...”

Well in case of . 9s, one was more prolific last season than Lewandowski with 55 goals in 47 games — showing ongoing value of a target man in ever-evolving footballing formations.

But even for Lewandowski, role of central striker has changed from just being a goal scorer in area.

“You have to do something new," he said, “and to be part of team also during game and t only to wait maybe in box, waiting for ball and finish situation.”

32-year-old Lewandowski's finishing last season helped Bayern win Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League. Such a significant contribution should have put him in contention for Ballon D'Or as world player of year, but organizer France Football canceled award due to disruption caused to season by pandemic.

“To win Ballon D’Or is for every player a dream," Lewandowski said on a video call from Munich. “I think every player who won what we won, or scored so many goals (that) I scored .. should be in Ballon D’Or, yeah, and maybe win this Ballon D’Or. ”

Reaching 55 goals again this season, which begins for Bayern against Schalke on Friday, could be tough for Poland captain. late start to season due to pandemic has created a congested fixture schedule that means he expects to be rested more often.

“I kw that (rotation) will be very important and I’m sure that in my head it will be t that I have to play every single game, because playing every three days is difficult for every single player ... to be fresh and t tired.”

season should end with Lewandowski playing for Poland at rescheduled European Championship, which starts in June.

“It will maybe be most difficult season in our lives, that we have almost every three days games without a break,” he said. “Rotation will be very important and to stay fit, to stay with best form."

As for . 9s ranked as his biggest competitors? Lewandowski singled out Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Tottenham's Harry Kane and Chelsea's Timo Werner.

And y should have Lewandowski as a scoring rival for some years to come.

“I want to play maybe five or six years longer,” he said.

Im credits: AP