Barcelona's struggle: Robert Lewandowski's slump puts squad in crisis

As reported by journalist David Bernabeu Reverter, Barcelona are grappling with a pivotal question this season: do they have a player showcasing their utmost capabilities? Unfortunately, the answer seems to be a resounding no.

Lewandowski, once a stalwart on the pitch, is now facing one of the least impressive seasons in his 16-year professional career. The aftermath of a disheartening 4-2 defeat against Girona in La Liga prompted coach Xavi Hernandez to shake up the line-up against Royal Antwerp in the Champions League. While some seasoned players retained their positions, the rest of the squad featured youthful players hoping to inject a positive response.

However, any aspirations of a turnaround were dashed early on by Arthur Vermeeren's goal for Antwerp. Lewandowski, expected to lead the charge, failed to make a significant impact, deepening the sense of disappointment among fans and teammates alike.

In the subsequent 3-2 loss against Antwerp, Lewandowski's poor form persisted as he failed to register a single shot in over 70 minutes on the pitch. Not only did he struggle to make an offensive impact, but he was also dispossessed thrice and attempted a mere 18 passes, raising serious concerns about his contribution to the team.

Amid the club's performance and results crisis, the spotlight is squarely on Lewandowski. Initial reports suggested that the forward was the linchpin of the Barcelona squad, hindered only by the players around him. However, recent events have shifted the narrative, indicating that Lewandowski is equally culpable for the lack of goals, and the blame cannot be shouldered solely by his teammates.

Speculations are now rife within the club about the possibility of Barcelona offloading Lewandowski next summer and considering Vitor Roque as the first-choice striker. The outcome of this decision hinges on how the 35-year-old superstar recovers and performs in the remainder of the campaign, making it a critical juncture for both player and club alike. 

The question now is whether Lewandowski can rise from this slump and reclaim his status as a goal-scoring maestro for Barcelona.