At FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski has made a good first impression, earning the manager’s praise as “an unbelievable signing.”
In their 1-0 friendly victory over Real Madrid on Saturday, Lewandowski made his debut for his new team, starting up top before being replaced at halftime.
The 2021 Ballon d’Or runner-up has scored at least 40 goals in club play seven times in a row.
FC Barcelona is hopeful that despite turning 34 the following month, he is still at the top of his game.
Xavi only had positive things to say about the club’s new front-man when addressing the media.
“[Lewandowski] has adapted really well,” he said. “He’s very humble. He’s won almost everything in the world of football.
“He has the humility to work hard for the team, and for us he’s an unbelievable signing. So really good, really happy to have Robert in the team, and [against Real Madrid] he adapted really well.
“He controlled the ball when Real Madrid pressed high. He understood really well when it was his moment to control and play for the attacking midfielders or for the defensive midfielder.
“He went deep many times. So, we are talking about the top player in the world of football.”
Xavi also touched on FC Barcelona’s transfer strategy when asked if there are more signings planned, highlighting the desire for depth and a competition for starting spots.
“Well, the more, the better,” he said. “That is, the more that can compete, the better it will make us (the) staff. They will make each other better, and they will compete with each other.
“There are many games this year, I would say even more, because there is a FIFA World Cup in between and the calendar is even more compressed.
“I think it is important that there is competition between the players.
“There are injuries, and (there) will be sanctions — so perfect. Barca, I have already said many times, must have two high-level players in each position, and this is what we are working on.
