Hamza Abdelkarim has strengthened his bid for a place in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona first-team plans after scoring in the club’s friendly against Birmingham City in England.
The Egyptian striker impressed during pre-season and capped his display against Birmingham by converting a penalty, giving him his first goal in the club’s summer friendlies and increasing his chances of competing for a starting role.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Abdelkarim is currently among the most impressive young players training under German manager Flick. He has started both of Barcelona’s opening friendlies this summer, against Europa, which ended in a 4-1 victory, and Birmingham City.
He is one of only a small number of young players to have been trusted from the start in both matches.
Intelligent movement and attacking threat
Abdelkarim offered a complete performance as a central striker against Birmingham. He showed he could play with his back to goal, protect possession under pressure and attack defenders when facing goal.
His performance was described as “very convincing”, with his pace and energy particularly evident during the first half.
The striker consistently made himself available for passes and moved intelligently inside the penalty area. That movement helped him win the spot-kick after he anticipated the actions of his marker and reacted before the defender.
Abdelkarim then accepted responsibility for the penalty. He struck the ball firmly with his left foot, sending it beyond Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle to open his account for Barcelona in this summer’s friendly schedule.
The goal provided the clearest reward for a lively display, but his contribution extended beyond the moment from 12 yards.
Determination appeals to Flick
The 19-year-old’s enthusiasm was also visible in his defensive work. He committed three of Barcelona’s six first-half fouls and was booked for the third of those challenges.
That disciplinary moment reflected the fighting spirit, determination and effort Flick demands from his forwards. Although the yellow card was a negative aspect of his performance, the overall display remained persuasive.
Abdelkarim demonstrated the attacking personality and presence that Barcelona’s coaching staff want from a centre-forward. His willingness to press, compete and remain involved throughout the opening period added to the impression that he is ready to challenge for opportunities beyond the club’s youth set-up.
Competition for Barcelona striker position
Abdelkarim joined Barcelona last winter from Egyptian club Al Ahly and is using every available minute to try to secure a place in the starting line-up.
His challenge comes as Barcelona seek to sign a recognised centre-forward during the summer transfer window, meaning competition for the position is expected to be intense.
Final decisions about the make-up of the squad and the starting line-up will be taken later. However, Abdelkarim’s performances in the first two friendlies have given Flick strong reasons to continue monitoring him closely.
The Egyptian has not yet secured a permanent place in Barcelona’s first team, but his display against Birmingham City, combined with his earlier start against Europa, has put him firmly into contention. His penalty and all-round attacking contribution have given him a platform from which to compete for a more established role under Flick.
