Xavi: 'Natural leader' Lewandowski offers more to Barcelona than goals

Barcelona head coach Xavi has praised 'natural leader' Robert Lewandowski, highlighting other aspects of his game beyond goals after the 4-0 win over Real Valladolid.

The recent acquisition from Bayern Munich scored twice for the second game in a row to take their total to four in three games and were unlucky not to score a hat-trick, hitting the target twice.

Lewandowski's goals were always going to be the most valuable result of his lucrative transfer, but Xavi believes he delivers more than just his devastating impact in the final third.

"Besides the goals, I would highlight his timing. Anything the fan doesn't see so much is extraordinary," he told DAZN.

"He's a natural leader; what he sees, he says. It's great how he's adapted to the group. He's a born worker, an example."

Having started the campaign with a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona have secured back-to-back wins over Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid, scoring eight goals in the process - more than any other side to have completed three games. < /p>

While Xavi made it clear there were areas for improvement, he praised the team for a "remarkable" performance.

"Perfect no, but it was a great game. The first 40 minutes were very good. Then we relaxed. In the second part we also started well," he added.

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"Overall it was a perfect match, but not complete. You don't have to relax and you have to keep squeezing. We wanted to give back the illusion to the fans.

"It's good for the team and for the fans. We must not slack off as happened with the 2-0. I have to watch the game repeat itself but there are things to improve There is no perfect game, but it was remarkable."

Barcelona's next test is against Sevilla before they begin their Champions League campaign, having faced a tough group that includes Bayern Munich and Inter.