Deco addresses future of 36-year-old Barcelona player in reference to Manchester City superstar | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been in sensational form so far this season in both La Liga and the Champions League and much of the credit for the same has to go to the incredible attack that Hansi Flick has deployed so far, in the majority of the games.

The likes of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo (when fit) and Pedri have been running riot against opposition defenses. Except for last weekend’s loss to Real Sociedad, Barcelona had scored in every single game they had played so far.

Much of the goalscoring credentials have to go to Polish veteran Robert Lewandowski, who has turned the clock back this season. After quite an underwhelming tally by his own lofty standards last season, the ex-Bayern Munich superstar looks to be back to his very best.

In 17 games across all competitions so far this season, Lewandowski has scored 19 goals and provided two assists. In all fairness, that tally should be 20 but his goal against Real Sociedad was wrongfully disallowed by VAR after a technology error.

As good as the veteran striker has been so far this season though, he is 36 and Barcelona need to start planning for the future. Deco was quizzed about the same, in an interview as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Firstly, Deco spoke about the plans to sign a new striker and played down talks of replacing Lewandowski for the time being. He said:

“It’s not a priority because we need to focus on this season. Of course, we have to work towards the future, but if we focus too much on the future, we neglect the present. We need to concentrate on what we need to do now, not what we need to do in the future because this season could shape our future. We can’t afford to think only about the future. The future planning is ongoing and on track.”

The Barcelona sporting director then expressed confidence in the 36-year-old to keep this form going. He continued:

“I expect Lewandowski to maintain the level he’s showing. He is one of the most professional players I’ve ever seen. It’s no accident he’s achieved what he has and scored as many goals as he has at 36 years old. Such players reach their level through exceptional professionalism. We’re happy because he’s integrating well with the team and scoring goals.”

“Against Real Sociedad, he scored another… I think it’s very hard to find a striker like Robert today. There are maybe one or two at this level. Maybe Haaland or one other. Not many at this level are available. But we’re not obsessed with finding another striker right now because we’re focusing on what Robert can do. He’s happy here. He’s a winner and if we have an important season, I believe he’ll want to stay.”

Having mentioned Haaland in reference to Lewandowski, Deco was undoubtedly quizzed about Barcelona’s chances of signing the Norwegian goalscoring machine and here is what he said:

“First, we need to determine if Haaland is what we want for the future. We don’t know that yet. Right now, we don’t want any ‘nine’. We have Robert. We’re not planning anything with any ‘nine’. When the time comes to make a decision, and I have to make it because I’m at the club, we’ll consider our options. But I think it’s not the time to talk about any player.”

Deco was then asked about Viktor Gyokeres, another striker who has been linked with Barcelona in recent times. Yet again, the 47-year-old replied along expected lines, mentioning that the club had complete trust in Lewandowski. He said:

“He’s a good player, has been scoring goals in Portugal for some time, and we’re aware of him like many others, but he’s not our priority today nor are we looking for any ‘nine’ to replace Robert because we want him to continue being happy, scoring goals, and hopefully stay another season. We’ve won things and he’s happy to be here. We’re not going to talk about any player now.”

One thing that you can be certain of from Deco’s words is that Barcelona continue to place immense faith in Lewandowski, despite his advancing age. Who can question them though, if he keeps putting numbers like he is at the moment?

Despite Deco not mentioning any interest in any other striker, the club will surely be working in the background on a succession plan for the Polish veteran. Both Gyokeres and Haaland seem enticing, although the former might suit Flick’s style of play better. Let’s wait and see how it plays out and who inherits the number nine shirt from Lewandowski in the future.