Mats Hummels has lauded his former team-mate Robert Lewandowski ahead of Borussia Dortmund's table-topping clash with Bayern Munich next weekend.
The Poland international followed up his record-breaking five-goal haul against Wolfsburg in midweek with a double against Mainz, taking his Bundesliga tally to 101 goals in 168 appearances.
"I had an incredulous smile on my face when Lewy [Lewandowski] scored his five goals, since I don't see the shirt or the club for which he plays, just an exceptional striker," Hummels told Bild am Sonntag.
"You can enjoy his goals, even as part of BVB. He is a complete machine.
"No matter what he does, he doesn't have to answer to anyone. He did something unpredictable and extraordinary at BVB."
They take on leaders Bayern in their biggest game of the season so far next Sunday, and, while Hummels insists Dortmund's aim is not to challenge for the title, he is adamant they have been restored to their confident best.
"I do not feel that we are wasting our talent and our quality. With the team that we have, we need to at least take third place - probably even better. Our goal must be to be merciless," he added.
"Our confidence is back. We are very aware of our qualities again."
