Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has showered praise on Robert Lewandowski, calling him the best centre-forward of the last decade, following the Polish striker’s decisive goal in a 1-0 La Liga win over Getafe, Soccernet.football reports.
Lewandowski’s smart first-half strike was enough to maintain Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the season, though the Catalan giants had to work hard to secure all three points.
Flick’s side dominated possession, but Getafe’s resolute defence kept the scoreline tight.
Lewandowski, who could have scored a second goal before the break, was denied by Getafe goalkeeper David Soria, who also made crucial saves to stop efforts from young star Lamine Yamal.
The teen sensation was unlucky not to score, with one of his efforts hitting the crossbar late in the second half. Barcelona captain Raphinha also had chances but was unable to convert.
In the end, Lewandowski’s early strike was enough to maintain Barcelona’s perfect start to the league campaign and Flick was delighted with the former Bayern Munich forward.
“For me, he [Lewandowski] is the best number nine of the last ten years,” Flick said as per BarcaBlaugranes. “His goal was great. In the first half, we scored and played with a lot of passes. I am very happy.”
Despite the narrow margin, Barcelona now sit four points clear at the top of La Liga, having won their seventh consecutive league match.
However, Flick acknowledged that his young team still has room for improvement, particularly in defence.
Flick also praised Getafe’s resilience, admitting that such tightly contested matches are expected against a team known for its defensive discipline.
“I’ve been told that games like this against Getafe are normal. They are very good in defence, but I am very proud of my players. They fought for 95 minutes,” he said.
Getafe, meanwhile, sit near the bottom of the table with just four points from seven matches, but they will take heart from their solid defensive performance.
The Madrid-based side will look to pick up their first win of the season in upcoming home games against Alaves and Osasuna.