ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
BAYERN MUNICH GAMES: 40 GOALS: 48
Fans of Bayern Munich cried foul last season after Robert Lewandowski was robbed of a golden chance to bag his rst Ballon d’or after wreaking havoc in the Bundesliga and across Europe. The topscorer of the top German league and the Champions League in 201920, Lewandowski found the net an astonishing 55 times in 47 appearances in all competitions — a career best — and his performance played a major part in Hansi Flick guiding the German champion to six trophies, thus maintaining a 100 percent record when it came to winning titles.
Cut to the current season, and the Polish striker continued to destruct and dismantle as he scored 48 goals in 40 appearances and broke Gerd Muller’s 49yearold record of scoring 40 league goals in a single campaign. After suffering a knee injury during a World Cup qualification match between Poland and Andorra, there was chatter about his season ending prematurely. However, not only did Lewandowski return stronger than ever and prove the doubters wrong, he also put speculation to rest by equalling Muller’s record.
Lewandowski’s untimely injury had repercussions nonetheless. He was sorely missed in Bayern’s Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain as Mauricio Pochettino’s men went ahead on away goals. Despite putting up a ght, Lewandowski’s clinical presence in front of goal was sorely missed by Flick and his men.
But the joy of winning a ninth consecutive Bundesliga title must have soothed nerves of a hardfought exit from Europe and Lewandowski has surely played his part there. He has scored more than once in eight league games this season, which includes two hattricks and a stunning fourgoal haul.
As far as No. 9s are concerned, Robert Lewandowski can be safely crowned the undisputed champion this season.