3 Barcelona players that might benefit most from Robert Lewandowski’s arrival

Barcelona have completed the blockbuster signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, marking one of the biggest transfers of the summer window. The Polish striker really pushed for the move and forced the Bundesliga giants to accept his demands, as he now ventures on a new journey in his career.

Lewandowski needs very little introduction. He is already one of the – if not the best – players in world football and a bonafide goal machine. The 34-year-old scored 50 goals in all competitions last season and is the kind of player that can help transform Barca from “good” to “elite”.

While there are lots of expectations from Lewandowski to score many, many goals and help Barça compete for major trophies, it’s not just goals he adds. The experienced striker is a team player who strives to help his teammates improve alongside him.

He can create chances, open up space for teammates and make life much easier for them. With that being said, let’s look at three Barça players who should benefit most from his arrival.

Ousmane Dembele should really enjoy playing with Lewandowski

Ousmane Dembele had quite the summer. He left Barcelona at the end of June, only to technically rejoin them in July. The Frenchman’s dragged-out contract saga saw him curb to Barcelona’s demands and re-sign with them after encouraging talks with Xavi Hernandez. Dembele is determined to continue his good work from last season and build a bigger legacy at the Camp Nou.

This time, he’ll have a truly world-class target to work with. Ousmane should be delighted with the prospect of working with a clinical goal-scorer like Lewandowski. The Frenchman is an unpredictable, fiery winger who can cause mayhem on the wings and his delivery is top-notch. Dembele had 12 assists in La Liga last season, more than any other player.

As long as he can keep delivering pinpoint crosses or passes into Lewandowski’s path in the final third, his assist tally should keep racking up. Lewandowski should also help open space for him to attack by dragging defenders his own way, freeing things up for Dembele to run riot in the attack for Barça.

Gavi might have found an ideal mentor

Pablo Gavira, aka Gavi, has emerged as one of the very best talents to have emerged from Barcelona’s La Masia academy. At the age of 17, he is already a regular for the Spain national team and a key part of the Barcelona team.

Gavi oozes quality, having the swagger to burst past players with ease and being creative and precise with his passing as well. The best thing is he will only get better. And with someone like Lewandowski there to help him, the Spaniard should soar in the coming years. Gavi will probably look to form a partnership similar to what the Polish striker had with Thomas Mueller at Bayern.

That will allow the 17-year-old to form an understanding with Lewandowski, playing him into empty spaces in and around the box, and setting up goals for him. Gavi can also learn about improving aspects of his game, becoming more mature and possibly scoring more goals from Lewandowski going forward.

Jordi Alba might regain his attacking flair with Lewandowski

A number of Barcelona players suffered after the departure of Lionel Messi last year. But probably none suffered as much as Jordi Alba. The left-back was the perfect partner-in-crime for Messi and had really impressive chemistry with him.

Alba can now try to recreate that with Lewandowski and rediscover his peak form again. The Spanish left-back loves going on the attack, making darting runs down the left flank and feeding the forwards with his threatening crosses. Alba will try to make the runs into the empty space and send some inviting deliveries into Lewandowski’s path.

The Polish striker can help the Barça left-back rediscover the joy of attacking and ensure his pinpoint delivery doesn’t go to waste. While Alba needs to work on his defending next season, he should thrive off a figure like Lewandowski in the attack and share some special moments with him next season.