Didier Deschamps has said that Robert Lewandowski (34) is one of the best strikers in the world, as France prepare to face Poland in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Since his €45m summer move to Barcelona, the former Bayern Munich talisman has scored 18 goals in 19 appearances for the La Liga club. Lewandowski has also scored one goal and set up another during the group stages of the competition. As a key element of the Poland squad, Deschamps was asked about the qualities of the striker in a pre-match press conference.
“He is one of the best number 9s in the world. He is an important part of this team. But there is still the collective, and a team that enjoys defending and suffering. Lewandowski can make the difference at any moment,” he said in a conference transcribed by RMC Sport.
Poland only narrowly qualified for the round of 16, edging through ahead of Mexico only on goal difference. France finished their group on top, despite a loss to Tunisia in the final game.
Lewandowski will face France’s Kylian Mbappé (23), with whom the Polish striker met in May, according to Le Parisien. Mbappé tried to convince the then Bayern Munich striker to join PSG, but to no avail.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
