In-form Barcelona forward puts pressure on key superstar with spectacular performances | OneFootball

For the majority of his time at FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski has largely operated without a proper threat to his position as the centre-forward in the starting XI.

Since arriving in 2022 from Bayern Munich, the veteran Pole has been the undisputed starter in the No. 9 position even though he has gone through some ups and downs.

This season, though, Lewandowski is on track to enjoy his best season with the Blaugrana, but at the same time, faces competition from another player in excellent form who is vying for his spot in the team.

Ferran Torres turning it on

Indeed, Ferran Torres, who is currently in excellent form has definitively adapted to the role of a centre-forward and is becoming a key figure in attack, stepping up in a big way in recent matches.

Following his hat-trick against Valencia last night in the Copa del Rey, Ferran has now reached a tally of ten goals for the season in just 25 games (938 minutes) – averaging a goal every 93.8 minutes. In the Copa del Rey, his ratio improves to a goal every 24 minutes.

What makes the 24-year-old forward such a valuable player operating as the No. 9 is that Torres, with his dynamic style and qualities, is more involved in the build-up play. He drops deeper to receive the ball, drifts to the wings, and makes runs into space.

In terrific form. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

If he combines that with the same ruthlessness and killer instinct in front of the goal as he did against Valencia, he becomes a complete No. 9.

A large part of the credit for Ferran’s development goes to Hansi Flick, who has used him centrally. At the same time, he has also impressed with his resilience, mental strength, and extensive physical work.

Lewandowski enjoying his best season

Meanwhile, Lewandowski still holds an important status at Barcelona, and his numbers this season are very impressive.

The 36-year-old centre-forward has scored 30 goals in 32 matches this season, averaging a goal every 85 minutes. He is just two goals shy of his best season at Barcelona, which he achieved in 2022/23.

It is true that the Polish striker occasionally struggles to link up with his teammates, but his clinical finishing makes him lethal.

It must, however, be noted that without Lewandowski starting, Barcelona have scored 22 goals in four matches. They netted five against Real Betis, Valencia, and Mallorca, and seven against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.

With Torres now seeming to have truly settled into the position, Lewandowski finds himself with serious competition, especially if the Spaniard keeps up his form.