Hamza Abdelkarim scored both of Barcelona’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s before the English side won a penalty shootout, with the 18-year-old Egyptian forward emerging as the outstanding performer in the Catalan club’s first official match of pre-season.
Abdelkarim has impressed manager Hansi Flick during the build-up to the new campaign and started both of Barcelona’s opening friendlies this summer. His latest performance strengthened his case for a place in the first-team squad, with his movement, finishing and work rate standing out despite his age.
Birmingham took the lead when Priske headed home, but Barcelona drew level before the interval when Abdelkarim converted a penalty he had won himself.
The opportunity came after Bernal attacked down the left. Abdelkarim read the defenders’ movements intelligently, positioned himself well inside the area and was brought down. Although more experienced players were on the pitch, he insisted on taking the spot-kick.
He showed considerable composure to send a powerful left-footed effort past English goalkeeper James Beadle and claim his first goal for Barcelona’s senior side. The Egyptian has already appeared at a World Cup despite being only 18, and his calmness in such a situation further highlighted his confidence.
Abdelkarim added a second goal after the break, reacting sharply to a rebound following an attack by Rony Bardghji. Bardghji made an excellent diagonal run before striking firmly, but Beadle could not hold the effort. Abdelkarim was alert to the loose ball and finished from close range to complete an impressive double on his first official appearance for the first team.
His contribution extended beyond his goals. The forward showed determination in defensive situations and applied the sustained pressure Flick demands from his attackers. He was responsible for three of Barcelona’s six first-half fouls and was booked, underlining the intensity of his performance.
He remained active throughout his time on the pitch, repeatedly asking for the ball and making intelligent movements in and around the penalty area. Abdelkarim also demonstrated his ability to play with his back to goal, protect possession and take on defenders when facing forward.
His form has arrived at an important time for Barcelona, who are looking to sign an established striker during the current summer transfer window. Competition for the position is therefore expected to be fierce, but Abdelkarim has used the opening stages of pre-season to make a strong argument that he can contribute to the attack and cope with the demands of senior football.
Barcelona fielded a youthful side at St Andrew’s, with six first-team players and five members of the club’s academy involved. Most of the Germany internationals were absent because they remain on holiday. German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was also missing after travelling to Amsterdam ahead of a proposed loan move to Ajax.
Birmingham restored parity through a set-piece finished by Jon Solis after Abdelkarim’s second goal, sending the match to penalties. Birmingham City prevailed in the shootout, but the result did little to diminish Abdelkarim’s display.
While Barcelona left with a defeat, the Egyptian forward was the clear individual winner. His two goals, energetic all-round performance and willingness to take responsibility provided an early indication that he could become an important attacking option for Flick and a promising part of Barcelona’s future.
