According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's 18-year-old Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim scored a 1-0 goal in the Joan Gamper Trophy, bringing his total to 4 goals in 3 preseason matches.
Hamza seemed determined not to miss this opportunity. He ended Barcelona's pre-season with a goal. The 18-year-old Egyptian striker started and played 73 minutes in the Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahli, scoring in front of new fans to make it 1-0. It was another classic center-forward goal, as he remained lurking in the box to pounce on chances and capitalize on them. He has now scored 4 goals in 3 games, becoming one of the most watched highlights of Barcelona's pre-season preparations.
His performance gives Deco room to potentially strengthen his attack. Barcelona is still monitoring the transfer market, while Hamza continues to prove himself on the pitch. The question now is whether his form will make him the undisputed choice for center-forward in next Sunday's away game against Elche. This player, who participated in this World Cup, has yet to make his official debut for Barcelona's first team, or even for the B team.
However, voices in the Barcelona dressing room speak highly of the young striker. After the Gamper Cup match, Eric Garcia admitted the youngster surprised him: "I didn't know him before, he surprised me." The defender added, "If he continues to work this hard, he will become a very important striker in the future." Flick, after scoring twice against Birmingham, had already affirmed his strengths: "As a striker, you have to be in the penalty area, and that's what he did today. That's exactly what I require of a center forward."
Hamza's strengths lie in his keen eye for goal, strong finishing ability, and ability to exploit gaps and penetrate the penalty area. He can also participate in passing combinations and receive the ball with his back to goal, but his greatest strength lies in the penalty area. Furthermore, he has received support from a figure considered a role model for all Egyptian strikers. After the match against Al Ahli, Hamza revealed that Mohamed Salah frequently communicates with him and offers advice: "He keeps talking to me, and frankly, everything he says is worth absorbing and learning." This has given the young striker significant support. Barcelona is pushing forward with the signing of a new striker, and Hamza is using his performances to convince Flick to consider him a genuine alternative. The transfer market will bring competition, but the young Egyptian has already done his part, making full use of this preseason opportunity with goals.
