Abdelkarim puts Barcelona’s next-generation attack in the spotlight

Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim scored both of Barcelona’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, before the Catalan side lost on penalties in their first official fixture of pre-season.

The 18-year-old striker made a decisive impression, showing composure in front of goal and the energy required to lead Barcelona’s attack. His performance further strengthened his case with manager Hansi Flick after he started both of the club’s opening friendly matches this summer.

Abdelkarim has emerged as one of the most notable players in Barcelona’s young pre-season squad. His movement, pace and ability to compete physically with defenders gave Birmingham City problems throughout his time on the pitch.

Composed penalty puts Barcelona ahead

Barcelona fell behind when Briskeh headed Birmingham City into the lead, but Abdelkarim levelled from the penalty spot before half-time.

The Egyptian won the penalty himself after Bernal’s attack down the left wing. He anticipated the movement of the defenders intelligently and positioned himself well inside the area before being brought down.

Despite his age, Abdelkarim insisted on taking the spot-kick, even with more experienced players around him. He showed considerable composure before striking the ball firmly with his left foot, deceiving English goalkeeper James Beadle and scoring his first goal for Barcelona’s senior side.

Abdelkarim has already played at a World Cup despite being only 18, and that experience appeared to show in the way he handled the pressure of the moment.

Alert finish completes the double

His second goal came after the interval and highlighted his awareness inside the penalty area.

Roony Bardghji made a well-timed diagonal run before unleashing a powerful shot that Beadle could not hold. Abdelkarim reacted quickly to the rebound, stayed alert as the ball dropped near goal and finished from close range to put Barcelona ahead.

The goal completed a two-goal performance on his first official appearance for the senior team, underlining the Egyptian’s instinct for finding scoring opportunities.

His contribution was not limited to his finishing. Abdelkarim also showed determination in defensive situations and worked hard when Barcelona were without the ball. He committed three of Barcelona’s six first-half fouls and was booked, reflecting the intensity of the pressing duties Flick demands from his forwards.

He remained active throughout his time on the field, constantly asking for the ball and making intelligent movements in and around the penalty area. He also demonstrated an ability to play with his back to goal, protect possession and attack defenders when facing forward.

Opportunity amid search for striker

Abdelkarim’s display comes at a significant time for Barcelona, who are looking to sign an out-and-out striker during the current summer transfer window.

The competition for a place in the starting line-up is therefore expected to be fierce, but the teenager has used the opening stages of pre-season to send a clear message to Flick and the club’s coaching staff. He showed that he believes he can handle responsibility and provide the attacking contribution Barcelona require.

The match also offered valuable experience to a youthful Barcelona side. Their starting line-up included six first-team players and five members of the club’s academy, with most of the Germany internationals still away on holiday.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was also absent after travelling to Amsterdam ahead of a proposed loan move to Ajax.

Birmingham City restored parity through Jon Solis from a set-piece after Abdelkarim had given Barcelona the lead, taking the match to a penalty shootout. Birmingham City prevailed from 12 yards, completing the victory despite Barcelona’s young side having twice been inspired by Abdelkarim’s goals.

The result was a defeat for Barcelona, but Abdelkarim was the clear individual winner. His two-goal display presented him as a promising attacking option capable of taking on responsibility for one of the world’s biggest clubs, and a player who could make the remainder of pre-season an important step towards a first-team role.