Video: Hamza Abdelkarim shines with a brace in Barcelona's defeat to Birmingham
18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim scored two goals for Barcelona in a pre-season friendly against Birmingham City. His performance has drawn significant attention from manager Hansi Flick as he competes for a spot in the first-team squad.
Why it matters
The emergence of young talent is critical for top-tier football clubs looking to integrate academy players into their senior rosters.
Video: Hamza Abdelkarim shines with a brace in Barcelona's defeat to Birmingham Birmingham City vs Barcelona Birmingham City Barcelona Club Friendlies Egypt LaLiga Premier League England Spain Egypt Has he won Flick's trust?
Young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim stole the limelight in Barcelona's first official match of the pre-season, scoring both goals for the Catalan side in a 2-2 draw against England's Birmingham City at St Andrew's before the Blaugrana lost on penalties. Not bad for a player of just 18.
Hamza has forced his way into Hansi Flick's thinking this pre-season. He started the first two friendlies of the summer and showed the kind of attacking quality that could earn him a place in the starting line-up.
Composure and a goal from the penalty spot
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