Hansi Flick ready to give Barcelona youngster bigger role after first senior goal

Barcelona are preparing to gradually increase Hamza Abdelkarim’s involvement in the first team, with the club convinced that the Egyptian striker’s development is moving in the right direction.

According to SPORT, Barcelona do not want to rush the 19-year-old despite his limited minutes so far. 

Instead, the plan is to introduce him carefully while giving him greater responsibility as the season progresses.

Notably, the Barcelona youngster was in the spotlight after scoring his first senior goal for Egypt, and Barcelona have certainly taken note of it.

Barcelona see Hamza as a future No.9

As per the outlet, the striker’s development has moved faster than initially expected.

Barcelona are happy with Hamza Abdelkarim’s progression. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Hamza was tipped to continue his development with the youth team, but his performances in training convinced the coaching staff that he possessed qualities that could eventually make him a first-team option.

The club has analysed that the forward has what it takes to become Barça’s ‘9’ for the future.

That confidence explains why Barcelona are reluctant to send him elsewhere despite offers in the summer. 

The club wants him close to the first team during what is viewed as an important learning season.

Hamza will get more opportunities after the break

So far this season, the challenge has been finding regular minutes for a young forward competing with established options.

Barcelona will not rush into Hamza’s development. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Hamza has so far made only a brief appearance against Rayo Vallecano, with Raphinha ahead of him in the pecking order and Gabriel Jesus providing another option in attack.

Barcelona nevertheless expect that to change as the schedule becomes more demanding and matches come in thick and fast.

The idea within the club is for his playing time to be increased gradually rather than throwing him into the fast-paced action right away.

As per the outlet, the club’s target is for Hamza to feature in 10 to 15 first-team matches this season, allowing him to gain senior experience without being overloaded.