Is Bayern Munich's Acquisition of Robert Lewandowski the Start of Soccer Monopoly? Where Does Striker Fit on New Team?

The deed is done. Robert Lewandowski is now property of Bayern Munich. But where does the forward actually fit in with his new club?

At Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski was the main striker for Jurgen Klopp's squad. Thus far this season, he had accumulated 11 for Dortmund, the most of any player for the team. However, Dortmund is nothing like Munich. With Lewandowski's departure, one could argue that Dortmund's roster is punch-less. There is certainly talent, but Lewandowski was the major scoring threat that the team could rely on to finish. Meanwhile, Munich's roster is loaded with offensive talent with Mario Goetze, Thiago Alcantara, Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Toni Kroos among others. This team is proven and ended 2013 with five trophies. Where does Lewandowski fit in?

The obvious place would be up top in Mandzukic's spot. The striker has started 12 of Munich's 16 Bundesliga matches and was subbed in for four of them. However, Coach Pep Guardiola is known to play with a false nine in his system and has often started with such players as Thiago Alcantara, Mario Goetze or even Thomas Muller in that role. So one could argue that Mandzukic, who has 10 goals this season, is replaceable at any moment. But if that is his status, then why would it not be Lewandowski's as well. With 42 goals in 16 matches, one would argue that Munich's offense is the least of its worries.

So why the move for Lewandowski? Simple. Supremacy. Munich did not really have a need for Thiago Alcantara this season. But by taking him from Barcelona, Guardiola ensured that the Spanish giants would not have an heir to Xavi ready to lead the team immediately. The same went with Mario Goetze. The midfielder was the future of Dortmund and now he is a major piece for Munich moving forward. At age 25, Lewandowski is a replacement for the 27-year-old Mandzukic, but his arrival also ensures that no other team in the Bundesliga could compete with Munich. It is possible that the Polish striker sees time on the bench this season, but at least he will not be on the pitch for Dortmund or any other major competitor.

Lewandowski's acquisition is just the latest move in Munich's attempt at a soccer monopoly.