Diego Simeone in awe of veteran Barcelona superstar – ‘What I admire is…’ | OneFootball

Speaking ahead of their upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone expressed his admiration for veteran Blaugrana superstar Robert Lewandowski.

At 36, the Polish striker is enjoying a spectacular season. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Lewandowski has rediscovered his best form and has already posted his best numbers as a Barça player.

Simeone in awe

Given his exploits for the Blaugrana this season, Simeone could not help but heap praise on Lewandowski, calling him a player that everyone needs to learn from.

“Congratulations to him for an extraordinary season. He has extraordinary numbers. What I admire is his perseverance, his work, his continuity,” said Simeone, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

On fire. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“He has a path that he has followed throughout his career. He is a player to admire, one of the No. 9’s to watch and learn from,” the Atletico coach added.

Lewandowski’s impressive season

So far this season, Lewandowski has already racked up 38 goals from 42 matches in all competitions, going past his best tally for Barcelona which came in his debut season in 2022/23.

Of his 38 strikes, 25 have come in La Liga, where he is the leading goalscorer ahead of Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe.

As he approaches the milestone of 100 goals for Barcelona, Lewandowski continues to show outstanding physical form, proving that age has not diminished his ability.

Simeone and his Atletico Madrid side will need to find a way to contain Lewandowski, who is in peak goalscoring form, as they look to halt Barcelona’s attacking threat in their upcoming clash.