Ribery: Lewandowski an outstanding footballer

Posted Monday, July 28, 2014 by Goal.com

The France international has been impressed by the performances of the striker, who bagged three goals in two games over the weekend

Franck Ribery has hailed new Bayern Munich team-mate Robert Lewandowski as "an outstanding football player".

The Poland international has only just arrived in Bavaria on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund but has wasted little time in impressing, netting a stunning solo goal in Saturday's Telekom Cup clash with Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday before bagging a double in the 3-0 win over Wolfsburg the following day.

Ribery has been impressed with how quickly Lewandowski is adjusting to his new surroundings - and is excited by the prospect of the striker proving even more prolific once he fully settles in.

"Robert is an outstanding football player," the winger told the Bundesliga's official website.

"The interaction with the team is getting better every day. He is good for us. He has quickly integrated and we have a lot of fun together."

And Ribery admitted that he is determined to enjoy himself as much as possible as he tries to put his heartbreak at having been ruled out of World Cup 2014 by injury firmly behind him.

"That was a big disappointment for me," the France international confessed. "Injuries occur from time to time, but just before a World Cup ... that was bitter. Especially since I was great in shape.

"I was really looking forward to Brazil. But now is also good. I do not want to think about [the World Cup], but look forward. I'm looking forward to the new season."

Ribery was also on target in the game against Monchengladbach but he says that he still has a long way to go before he is back to his best.

"Of course I'm not at 100 percent, but that's normal," the 31-year-old pointed out. "I lost my rhythm [during the injury]. My game is based on explosiveness and speed. I have to get this back.

"But I have no more pain and I am glad that I can fully participate from the beginning [of pre-season]. This is very important for me."