Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim made a strong statement during Barcelona’s preparations for the new season after scoring both goals in the Catalan side’s entertaining 2-2 draw against Birmingham City in a friendly match at St Andrew’s Stadium in England.

Hamza started in Barcelona’s attacking lineup and delivered an influential performance that went beyond his goals. He won the penalty that brought his side back into the match before adding a second goal with a well-timed follow-up inside the penalty area, highlighting his ability to capitalize on opportunities and perform under pressure.

Hamza Brings Barcelona Back into the Game

Barcelona began the match with clear control and possession but struggled to turn their dominance into goals. Birmingham, however, made the most of one of their attacking opportunities and opened the scoring in the 31st minute through August Priske.

Barcelona responded before halftime when Hamza Abdelkarim was brought down inside the penalty area. The Egyptian forward stepped up to take the penalty himself and converted it successfully in the 42nd minute, restoring parity for the Catalan side.

Hamza received a yellow card in the 44th minute following a strong challenge, before the first half ended with the score level at 1-1.

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A Brace That Sent a Message to Flick

Hamza continued his impressive display after the break, scoring his second goal in the 60th minute. He reacted quickly to a long-range effort that had been saved by Birmingham’s goalkeeper and fired the rebound into the net to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead.

The Egyptian forward was substituted just two minutes after scoring his second goal following a standout performance that made him one of the match’s brightest players. Birmingham later found an equalizer through John Solis in the 68th minute, with the friendly ending in a 2-2 draw.

Hamza’s brace came at an important stage of Barcelona’s preseason camp, as the club continues to give several young players opportunities to prove themselves in front of German head coach Hansi Flick before the final shape of the squad for the new season is decided.

Hamza joined the team’s preparations early, choosing to make the most of the preseason period and demonstrate his abilities to the coaching staff. His performance against Birmingham appears to have given him a significant boost in the competition for a place in Barcelona’s plans for the next phase.

Barcelona will continue its preseason schedule in England before traveling to Italy to face Udinese and then returning to host Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy. Hamza has given Hansi Flick another reason to think. Whether it proves enough to earn a permanent place in Barcelona's first-team plans remains to be seen, but his performance against Birmingham ensured his name will not be easily overlooked.