Lewandowski might just be motivated by good competition for scoring crown

Robert Lewandowski’s two goal, one assist effort against Wolfsburg was the first sign of life from the Bayern Munich offense in nearly a month.

Lewandowski is the face of Bundesliga goal scorers, but is currently seated behind some very capable competition in the league’s scoring race. The influx of quality of competitors, however, might be motivating Lewandowski to raise his game to another level. Was his excellent performance against Wolfsburg just the start of a torrid stretch for the potent striker?

The challenge is real

Another Torjägerkanone is not a sure thing for Lewandowski. All of a sudden, the Bundesliga has a cast of worthy and consistent competitors to challenge the Pole as Germany’s leading scorer. The emergence of Hertha Berlin’s Ondrej Duda, Borussia Dortmund’s Paco Alcácer, and Eintract Frankfurt’s Luka Jović, in particular, has made the league’s scoring race one to keep an eye on. Each of the aforementioned players is a direct threat to Lewandowski’s reign as the Bundesliga’s preeminent goal scorer.

Jovic, a 20-year old Serbian international starring for Eintracht Frankfurt, just annihilated Fortuna Düsseldorf for five goals on Friday, while Alcácer has burst onto the scene and stabilized the striker position for Dortmund. Surrounded by talented playmakers like Marco Reus, Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho, and Jacob Bruun Larsen, and starring for a team that also is far more willing to gamble offensively, Alcácer is a serious contender to dethrone Lewandowski. Alcácer’s deft touch and nose for the goal have instantly given BVB a look of confidence offensively.

In addition, Duda has been a steady and lethal presence for a completely rejuvenated Hertha Berlin side. Jović and Alcácer each have seven goals, while Duda has six to pace lead the league.

In addition, Reus, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sebastian Haller and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Alassane Pléa all have a total of five goals, just like Lewndowski.

When energetic and confident, Lewandowski is absolutely menacing

Last year, for whatever reason, Lewandowski fell into a malaise. The Polish Hitman played angry...in a bad way. The weight of transfer rumors on Lewandowski likely made every failed conversion weigh more heavily. It was apparent in his mannerisms on the field and in his dealings with the media.

He was a jerk at times; plain and simple, but “jerk” Lewy is gone. He is having a good time off the field and on it with his teammates. Notably, Lewandowski celebrated a goal by “flossing” with James Rodriguez after the Colombian scored against the Wolves. He’s Instagram-ing the importance of teamwork with Thomas Muller . He’s NOT fighting with Mats Hummels any more and the center back even showered the Pole with praise after the Wolfsburg game.

This isn’t just “good Lewandowski”, this is potentially “great Lewandowski.” For Bayern’s opposition, it might just be the the beginning stages of a very dangerous run for the striker.

Game on.