4-0. What a result for Barcelona at the home of Real Madrid. If Real had taken chances early, it could have been a different story, but putting the ball in the back of the net is the difference, and boy did Barca do that. Barca’s superstar striker Lewandowski scored two and could have had four. Here we take a look at his incredible career to date and also highlight his goal-scoring prowess and skill in a first-person view of his second goal in the game.
Robert Lewandowski, born on August 21, 1988, in Warsaw, Poland, is a celebrated striker known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability. He started his senior career at Znicz Pruszków in Poland, where he quickly became the league’s top scorer. After a move to Lech Poznań, Lewandowski caught the attention of bigger European clubs, and in 2010, he joined Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
At Dortmund, he became one of Europe’s top forwards, winning two Bundesliga titles under manager Jürgen Klopp. In 2014, he made a high-profile switch to Bayern Munich, where his career soared. He won multiple Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal Cups, and a Champions League title in 2020. His standout moment came in 2019-2020 when he scored an astonishing 55 goals in 47 games, earning him the FIFA Best Men’s Player award.
In 2022, Lewandowski transferred to FC Barcelona, seeking a new challenge. His arrival in Spain strengthened Barcelona’s attack, and he quickly became the team’s top scorer. Lewandowski is also Poland’s all-time leading scorer, known for his powerful shots, positional awareness, and clinical finishing, making him one of the best strikers in football history.
What makes him special?
Barcelona and former Bayern Munich Manager Hansi Flick described him as “the most complete forward in the world,” noting his ability to excel in all facets of attacking play—from positioning and finishing to playmaking. Jürgen Klopp, who coached him at Dortmund, lauded his transformation from a promising player to a global superstar, saying he’s a “machine” who constantly pushes his limits.
Former Bayern teammate Thomas Müller described Lewandowski as a “goal-scoring phenomenon,” noting his relentless drive to improve and set new records. Even Lionel Messi, during his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech, acknowledged that Lewandowski deserved the award in 2020, which was canceled due to the pandemic.
Many of Lewandowski’s peers also note his leadership and positive influence in the locker room. His professionalism and hunger for success have set an example for younger players, making him one of the most respected figures in football.
What makes him special? A 1st Person View of Lewandowski’s second goal
at 1 minute 55 seconds into the video.
Stop, walk, and hold position in the center, about 30 yards out. Keep the defenders occupied. If we get this right in midfield, there is massive space on the left wing. A nice interchange in midfield, and I can see our left back Baldi making the third man run into the space on the left wing; he’s anticipating the pass to come. Yes! It’s a great long ball by De Jong from inside our half into the space ahead of Baldi.
Turn and run forward direct to the center of the box. Keep an eye on Baldi. Got to get the timing right to arrive in the box at the same time the ball arrives. Slow the run. Stay away from defender Militao. Keep that space open. He’s moving across towards the ball to cover a near-post cross.
Baldi likes to bend crosses in. Anticipate this. He’s slowed it down. Now he’s made the sharp move, pushing the ball ahead of him, and here comes the cross, arcing around the defenders, the pass taking it high and away from the goal. It’s clearing Militao, who’s too far forward. Quick look behind to see where the nearest defender Rudiger is; he’s behind me; I’m open. Concentrate on timing the jump. I want to meet the ball at a high point. There’s a lot of pace on the ball, so I just need to deflect it with a punch towards the far corner. Here it comes; move fast towards the goal, shuffle my feet, and jump using my arms for leverage upwards; arch back quickly as the ball is close and punch the head forward, all whilst in the air, directing it towards the far corner. The pace takes it, the keeper Lunin is diving, he’s not making it, yesssss it’s in! Goal!
It’s quite easy to miss the experience and skill of Lewandowski when you watch this goal. The positioning and timing of his run to meet the ball as it arrives is superb; the aerial ability to finish is brilliant.
Practice:
• Timing of runs to meet crosses. Have a colleague work down the wing, crossing the ball; time your run to be sprinting forward to meet the ball as it arrives.
• With a partner throwing the ball towards you, get used to arching backwards as the ball arrives and then punching forward and the last split second, like a cobra snake, connecting with your forehead. Once you have this technique, practice jumping and doing it in the air.
• Combine the two above.
One2Pro:
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Be the One!
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
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