Flick highlights Hamza Abdulkareem’s Barcelona credentials after Birmingham City brace

Hansi Flick praised teenage forward Hamza Abdulkareem after the Egyptian scored both of Barcelona’s goals in their 2-2 draw with Birmingham City, saying the 18-year-old has the qualities required of a central striker.

Barcelona went on to lose the match on penalties, but Abdulkareem’s performance earned strong recognition from Flick, who described him as humble and possessing “a great personality”.

Speaking at his news conference after the game, Flick said: “Hamza is very humble and has a great personality. He always tries to give his best and has great potential.”

The Germany manager said Abdulkareem had demonstrated an important quality by being in the right positions inside the penalty area.

“As a striker, you have to be present in those situations inside the box, and he was there today. That is what I ask of a central striker,” Flick added.

The comments strengthen Abdulkareem’s position in the competition for the central striking role, with Barcelona understood to be seeking another forward during the current summer transfer window.

Flick was asked whether a new striker could join the squad but avoided discussing players who are not currently at the club.

“We are focusing only on what we have, on the players who are here now, and nothing else. I do not dream,” he said.

Flick said the team’s progress would be determined by the work carried out each day, rather than by plans for future recruitment.

“We have a big objective for this season, but everything depends on how we work every day. The most important thing is the players’ effort, their mentality and the team dynamic. In the end, the team is the most important thing,” he said.

The Barcelona manager admitted his side struggled during parts of the match, particularly in the first half, when they failed to control possession and made mistakes.

“We missed possession of the ball and made some mistakes, but I am happy. The general feeling is good, and the entire coaching staff are satisfied with the performance of the young players,” Flick said.

He was particularly pleased with the way Barcelona’s reserve and youth players responded against a higher-level opponent.

“The most important thing is that they showed their quality, and I really appreciate that. It is a pleasure to work with them and watch their reactions in matches like this, with this fighting spirit,” he added.

Flick also discussed new summer signing Karim Adeyemi, who made his first appearance for Barcelona. The forward was given his initial minutes for the club during the match.

“He has great potential to show. There are some aspects he still needs to improve, but he has not trained with us for a long time and he has a lot of quality. It is good to see him on the pitch, and I am sure he will add a lot,” said Flick.

The German also acknowledged Marcus Rashford’s departure after his loan spell from Manchester United, while welcoming Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

“It was not an easy situation for him, and sometimes loan deals do not turn into permanent transfers. We will miss him, but we have to accept it. Gordon has arrived, he is very excited to play for Barcelona and is performing very well,” Flick said.

On Ferran Torres, Flick added: “I spoke to him during the World Cup, but he is on holiday now; he is an important player for us.”

The remark underlined the importance of the Spain winger to Flick’s plans for the coming season.