Robert Lewandowski ready for Erling Haaland challenge

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By Martin Graham | 18th Oct 2022

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is the winner of the Gerd Muller award. The Polish forward said he is aware of the challenge from the next generation but is ready for it.

The Ballon d’Or awards 2022 took place in Paris on Monday night, with several players going home as winners. It was a colourful event that brought the best of the football world together to celebrate the most outstanding players from last season. It is hard to argue against some winners, but there are questions about a few of the awardees.

While Karim Benzema was the best player in the world by a country mile, he was unquestionably declared the winner of the Ballon d’Or for men. The achievements of the Frenchman last season were excellent, as he led the attack for Real Madrid to win several titles.

Amongst the other awards is the Gerd Muller trophy won by Robert Lewandowski. By the way, the Gerd Müller Trophy is the Striker of the Year or Best Striker Award. It is an award presented annually by France Football to the highest-scoring footballer in the previous season.

Didier Drogba called the attention of Robert Lewandowski to the challenge from Haaland, and he replied that he was ready for the challenge.

Ready for the challenge
When Robert Lewandowski picked up his award, Didier Drogba was not subtle in calling his attention to a new generation of strikers coming after him. He referred Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who has been tearing the record books in England.

Haaland has stormed the Premier League and turned their defenders into rag dolls. Robert Lewandowski is unfazed by the challenge of the youngster. He commended the qualities of the Norwegian bomber, but believes he is capable of holding off his challenge. Lewandowski assured his fans that he would continue to do what he is famed for and strive to defend his title of top scorer next season. The Polish forward backed his strengths and goalscoring ability.

Lewandowski talked about his move to Barcelona and his expectations for the future. The 34-year-old said the season is long, and it is a new chapter for him in Barcelona. The former Bayern Munich striker said he feels well at the club since he arrived in the summer and hopes to continue banging in the goals.

Lewandowski also said that with his new teammates, there are potentials, and he has the opportunity to score plenty of goals.

Addressing the challenge of the next generation
As one generation is fading, a new one is coming, and the next generation cannot wait for the exit of the old. Haaland is already snapping at their heels, and Lewandowski can feel the heat. He admits to that but seems prepared to meet the challenge before hanging up his boots.

Reacting to the question from Drogba, Lewandowski said it is football, and one has to be always ready.

The former Bayern forward has started life at Barcelona in good form. He has nine La Liga goals from nine matches and is top of the Pichichi charts. Lewandowski, however, failed to find the net in El Clasico.

Erling Haaland is the headliner from the next generation, hoping to win the award soon. He is off to a flyer in the Premier League, making one wonder what the hype is about the league being the toughest.