Lewandowski is already playing Messi's role at Barcelona: Why he's winning everyone over

Barcelona have already scored 11 LaLiga Santander goals this season, and five of those have come from the same source - Robert Lewandowski. ??

The Polish no.9 only joined the club a month and a half ago, but he has hit the ground running at the Camp Nou and has Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona board, and the fans worshipping him already.

At 34, the forward moved for 45 million euros this summer with 5m more in add-ons. He's now scored in three straight games and has been doing what only the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Radamel Falcao, Gerard Moreno, Karim Benzema, Iago Aspas, and David Villa have done in Spain.

But Xavi and the striker's teammates see him as being more than a simple goalscorer, also appreciating his intelligence on the pitch, as well as his humility and his leadership skills.

"It's not just his goals," Xavi said of Lewandowski. "It's how he moves the ball, how he controls things, his decision-making.

"He's fantastic. He understands time, he is a leader, he's a winner, he's humble, he helps everybody.

"It's wonderful to have him."

Lewandowski's character

Lewandowski has signed a four-year deal at the Camp Nou, and is taking his role as a senior figure seriously. He has already taken young players under his wing, and has been offering a helping hand to so many of them.

Even Ousmane Dembele has been taking guidance from the no.9, as was seen in the game against Sevilla.

At 34, Lewandowski has played more minutes (344) than any outfield players for the Blaugrana this season. He has the most goals (five), and the most shots (12). He was their big gamble this summer, and he's paying off.

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