Robert Lewandowski reveals his toughest defensive opponents

In a recent interview with kicker (via SportBild), Robert Lewandowski talked about who he personally feels have been some of his most difficult defensive opponents in his career. He also made a point of highlighting Borussia Dortmund’s development in recent seasons since he left for Bayern Munich.

Having played for both Dortmund and Bayern, Lewandowski has gone up against some of the world’s best defenders, especially in the Champions League. Given the number of times he’s faced Real Madrid with both Dortmund and Bayern, it should come as no surprise that he puts Sergio Ramos first among the most difficult defenders he’s played against in European competition:

In the Champions League, Sergio Ramos. A super center-back, not only defensively, but also with the ball.

Specifically referencing his Dortmund tenure, Lewandowski said that his current teammates, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, as two of the most difficult Bundesliga center-backs he’s faced. He also mentioned a less well-known former Eintracht Frankfurt player:

In the Bundesliga, Jerome Boateng und Mats Hummels. They were always a challenge and not easy to play against. Also the former Eintracht Frankfurt player Carlos Zambrano, a very aggressive center-back.

Lewandowski came close to scoring his 200th Bundesliga goal in Bayern’s frustrating 1-1 draw at SC Freiburg after scoring his 199th in sublime fashion, but he said scoring in der Klassiker against his old club would be something quite special:

Every goal against a team like BVB is something special, especially now, where the battle for the title is so close. 200 is a big number!

Having left Dortmund in 2014 after four seasons, Lewandowski said he’s pleased to see how well his old club is competing with Bayern. This is the first season since Lewandowski moved to Bayern that Dortmund are on top of the table heading into the season’s second installment of der Klassiker. Lewandowski said he was impressed,

most of all at how quickly it functioned so well. I thought they needed a little more time. Whoever looks at the potential can’t be surprised. In the Hinrunde, everything worked for them; they went on a tear.

(Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

Lewandowski is in pole position in the race for the Torjägerkanone with 19 goals, but grabbing his 20th of the season and 200th Bundesliga goal this weekend would be what dreams are made of, especially if it’s a match winner!