"It actually won't be fair to say that about any other player except Lewy," the definitive response from Jurgen Klopp when asked about the best player he has ever managed. "What he has made out of his potential, how he pushed himself to become the player, he is today, that's extraordinary.
"Lewy took every step he needed to take to be that goal machine. Every one. He has immersed himself in the game, he just knows in every situation what he has to do, where he has to go. Lewy is an absolute machine."
Considering Klopp has managed the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at Liverpool – some Red supporters may have been surprised. However, it cannot come as much of a shock that Klopp went with Robert Lewandowski.
READ MORE: Bayern Munich chief makes bold Robert Lewandowski transfer prediction amid Chelsea interest
Klopp was the man in charge of Borussia Dortmund when the German club bought Lewandowski for about £3.8million in 2010 from Lech Poznan. Back then, Dortmund were taking a bit of a gamble by signing the unproven striker from Poland. Lewandowski did not let Klopp down, though. He scored 92 goals in 165 games – in all competitions – for the Black and Yellow.
Every last drop was squeezed out of Lewandowski before he signed for Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in the summer of 2014 after signing a pre-contractual agreement a few months before. He was one of Pep Guardiola's first signings as manager at the Allianz Arena.
In his first season at Bayern, Lewandowski scored 24 goals in all competitions. He settled in under Guardiola – who has a contrasting style to Klopp – seamlessly, proving his talent and ability to adapt to very different systems.
"He is the most professional player I have ever met," Guardiola said about Lewandowski. "In his head, he thinks about the right food, sleep and training: 24 hours a day.
"He is always there, never injured, because he focuses on these things. He always knows what is important to be in the best condition."
Lewandowski only played under Guardiola for two seasons, but in that time, the Poland international netted 64 goals in 98 matches. The possession-based football proved simple for someone of Lewandowski's talent and work ethic to adapt to.
Chelsea's interest in Lewandowski
Lewandowski has made no secret of his desire to leave Bayern Munich this summer, with 12 months remaining on his deal with the German champions. He said in May: "One thing is certain today, my story with Bayern is over."
Chelsea have been interested in the 33-year-old forward for some time now. However, it's understood that the Pole prefers a move to Barcelona – but due to the financial situation at the La Liga club, a move this summer could prove difficult.
The Blues are still sniffing around and could look to hijack a move for Lewandowski if Barca is not on the table. The German club want £42m up front.
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