Barcelona superstar no longer an untouchable for Xavi – report

Robert Lewandowski was one of the cornerstones on which Barcelona built their success last season, as he helped the team win the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles.

But the Poland captain has been a pale shadow of himself in the ongoing campaign. The goals are not coming as regularly as they used to while his overall game has also left a lot to be desired.

Despite everything, though, Barcelona manager Xavi always backed Lewandowski and maintained total faith in him – picking him as his first-choice striker irrespective of his form at times and keeping him on the pitch for the whole game even if things were not clicking.

Lewandowski no longer an untouchable

However, as per SPORT, Xavi’s actions during last night’s game between Barcelona and Real Betis showed that Lewandowski is no longer an untouchable in the team.

After being rested for the midweek cup tie against Unionistas, the 35-year-old was reinstated to the starting XI at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday.

But, what ensued was yet another disappointing display from the former Bayern Munich superstar as he offered minimal threat in front of goal.

As such, Xavi opted to hook him off a little after the hour-mark, despite the fact that Real Betis had equalised and Barcelona needed goals. Instead, the manager sent on young Vitor Roque, indicating that Lewandowski’s spot was not untouchable any longer.

A dull display by Lewandowski

Lewandowski was poor vs Real Betis. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Even though Lewandowski appeared to have made a decent start to 2024, last night’s game was yet another underwhelming display.

The 35-year-old Barcelona superstar was on the pitch for 63 minutes during which he did not attempt a single shot on target or off it, did not attempt a single dribble, had only 15 touches, made only five passes, and lost possession eight times.

Lewandowski has now gone four league games without a goal, something that is a matter of concern for Barcelona.

Speaking after the game, Xavi explained his decision to sub Lewandowski off for Roque, saying: “The substitution of Vitor Roque for Lewandowski was tactical, it was not meant to single out anyone,” he added, defending his decision.

“Lewandowski will continue to be important for us. I subbed him off because we needed someone to make runs in behind.”

But, it goes without saying that the veteran superstar needs to step up if he is to continue as the first-choice striker.