Marco van Basten, the iconic striker known for his dazzling performances with Ajax, AC Milan, and the Dutch national team, has recently voiced his concerns about Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski’s current form. Despite leading La Liga with 16 goals, Lewandowski has been underwhelming, failing to find the back of the net in his last three matches, which included two league fixtures against Leganés and Atlético de Madrid, as well as a Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Van Basten, now serving as a commentator for Dutch television, didn't hold back when discussing Lewandowski’s missed chance during the match against Atlético Madrid. The moment came late in the game, with just over 15 minutes remaining. Ferran Torres provided him with what should have been a straightforward opportunity, but Lewandowski failed to convert, leaving many questioning his current readiness.
“Robert Lewandowski's missed opportunity makes me want to cry,” Van Basten lamented, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. This moment, according to the former star, symbolizes the striker’s issues in recent outings, which have seen him struggle to capitalize on scoring chances.
The criticism did not stop with Lewandowski. The Dutch legend also turned his gaze toward Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, expressing displeasure at their lack of ambition and quality during the match. “Of course Atlético de Madrid is happy, but they should be ashamed when they play so badly,” he remarked, highlighting the frustration with the performance of both teams.
Despite being the top scorer for Barcelona this season, Lewandowski’s recent form raises concerns, particularly during pivotal games where his scoring is most needed. Van Basten's argument reflects wider sentiments among fans and analysts alike, who note the increasing pressure on the Polish forward to regain his touch.
Following the match against Atlético Madrid, it became evident just how precarious Lewandowski's situation has become. The match ended with Barcelona on the losing side, and Lewandowski left without making any significant impact during the 90 minutes. His interaction with teammates was minimal; forward Raphinha, along with Dani Olmo and Gavi, attempted to set him up, but the timing was consistently off.
Critics have pointed out how Lewandowski has struggled since mid-November, having scored just two goals across his last seven league matches. This slump has occurred during what has been described as a broader crisis for the team. His last league goals came against Celta de Vigo and Real Betis, with the expectations placed upon him only increasing.
Even though he celebrated scoring two goals against Brest in the Champions League, his failure to net goals against Borussia Dortmund – one of his favorite competitors – adds to the growing concerns. That said, Lewandowski still stands tall as the leading scorer both domestically and internationally, but the cracks are beginning to show as he faces mounting scrutiny.
With carrying the weight of expectations, Lewandowski knows he needs to bounce back soon. The road to recovery won’t be easy, particularly as he confronts the growing pressure to contribute meaningfully to Barcelona’s ambitions. Fans and pundits alike await his next moves with bated breath, hoping to see the return of the prolific goal-scorer they are so accustomed to watching.
While Van Basten’s comments certainly add to the narrative around Lewandowski, they also shed light on Atlético's defensive shortcomings during the match. These remarks not only critique one player but also indicate the missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises from both sides. The outcome of this match will no doubt linger, perhaps shaping the path forward for the Polish international and the entire Barcelona squad as they navigate the remainder of the season.
