Robert Lewandowski has set a new Barcelona goal-scoring record, and manager Xavi Hernandez has expressed “astonishment” at the striker’s humility.
Lewandowski scored twice in Barcelona’s three-goal victory over lowly Elche on Saturday, bringing his tally at his new club to 11 goals in just eight outings. The Pole is averaging a goal every 57 minutes for Barcelona, with his instincts in the area proving crucial.
The striker joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich earlier this summer, becoming the most visible signing during a busy transfer window at the Camp Nou as the Catalan giants revamped their roster.
His influence at Barcelona has been immediate, with no player in the club’s history scoring more goals in their first eight matches. Indeed, his extraordinary record includes a goalless tie against Rayo Vallecano on the first day of La Liga, as well as a goalless draw against previous club Bayern in Barcelona’s two-goal Champions League defeat last week.
Lewandowski’s two goals against Elche were added to his braces against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid, and he also scored in Barcelona’s La Liga victories over Cadiz and Sevilla. He also scored a hat-trick in the Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen.
No other player in the club’s history has made such an immediate impact in terms of scoring goals, with his eight La Liga goals at this stage exceeding the previous best for the club at this stage, which was Romario’s six goals.
Xavi stated during the Elche encounter in a post-match press conference: “His human characteristics have impressed me. He is the epitome of professionalism and humility. We have no reservations about the other (sporting) characteristics.”
Xavi also addressed a number of other topics, including the recent birth of Ousmane Dembele, who became a parent just months after signing a new long-term contract with the club. Before committing to an extension at Camp Nou, the Frenchman’s future was very speculative.
Xavi continued: “He is performing admirably. He’s been a father and hasn’t had much sleep, but he still wants to play. He enjoys playing. He is involved and shows a great deal of dedication. I am relieved and delighted that he has arrived. It gives me confidence that he will be successful. Of sure, he is capable of failing. But, for the time being, he is a success. He is deserving of a spot on the (French) national team.”