Former Barça and Real Sociedad striker and former Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Meho Kodro valued Robert Lewandowski’s recovery under Hansi Flick and predicted that he will score 30 goals. In an interview with the Polish edition of the ‘Goal’ portal, Kodro considered that despite his seniority, “Lewandowski is definitely still among the 4 or 5 best strikers in the world.” He recalled his magnificent performance in the League and the Champions, with 12 goals and an average of more than one goal per game, “which is a fantastic result. Especially taking into account his age, although I have already told you that I am not worried his age. In my opinion, “We are seeing the best version of Lewandowski in 2 or 3 years.”
Kodro considers that ‘Lewy”s good moment despite his 36 years is due “to several factors. Robert has always had quality, there is nothing to talk about here. However, he also seems very well prepared physically. He is very dynamic and with each goal he regains confidence and grows. In addition, he is surrounded by players in great shape, like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who can play well with him. And in general Barcelona as a whole is playing very well. It is clear that Lewandowski feels very good as the leader of the forward line. “If he continues like this, he could easily score 30 goals this season in La Liga.”
A new Barça
The former Bosnian striker also highlights the work of Hansi Flick. “Except for the two setbacks against Osasuna and AS Monaco, Barcelona is playing very well. There is dynamics in this team, there is balance, self-confidence, awareness of what you want to play. “This team has more character than last season’s team.”. And in the case of Lewandowski, “it is obvious that the fact that he has previously worked for Flick helps him a lot. It is visible to the naked eye.”
So far, Meho Kodro is liking Barça more than Real Madrid. “Of course, you can say that this is just the beginning of the season; but as we are evaluating here and now, the answer is yes. At this point, Barcelona leaves a better impression“. However, the Bosnian clarifies: “Of course, this is Real Madrid, they have the best players in the world. It is known that Madrid will also fight for the title, everything indicates that it will be decided between these two teams. That is, a classic. However, It seems to me that this time the fight for the championship can last a long time and, in my opinion, the point difference between these teams will not be big until the end“.
They also ask him to compare Robert Lewandowski with Kylian Mbappé, the new Madrid star and to predict who will win the race for the Pichichi. “They are different players, but they are both incredible. They have different characteristics, but scoring goals is not difficult for them. Obviously, Mbappé has incredible speed, but Lewandowski, in turn, is one of the 2-3 best offensive players in the world in the box. I don’t know who will win this race, but I think they will both finish the season with the same number of goals. However, I will say it once again: for me Lewandowski was and is one of the main candidates for top scorer.”
Regarding Barça’s chances in the Champions League this season, Kodro explains that the Catalan team always fights for all the titles, but considers that “we have to look at the context of the problems that Barcelona has faced in the last 2, 3 or even 5 years. And so, compared to the recent situation, I am referring mainly to economic issues, it is much better. It can be said that Barcelona returns to the front line of the biggest clubs in the world. He is beginning to sort out the economic issues, he has a very good team, he is showing off against the young people… But to answer your question, I think that reaching a Champions League semi-final would be a success for Barcelona.”
Finally, he has some words of admiration for Lamine Yamal: “He’s incredibly good. What he did last season… A 16-17 year old boy. We rarely see something like this in football. I hope it continues like this, because watching it is pure pleasure,” concludes Meho.
