Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick gestures during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in Barcelona. AP
Abdelkarim scored both of Barcelona's goals, although Birmingham won the match on penalties after the draw.
"As a striker, you have to be there. If there is a situation in the box, you have to be there," Flick told reporters after the match. "And he was today. I think it gives him a lot of confidence for the next weeks."
Abdelkarim joined Barcelona's pre-season camp in mid-July, cutting short his off-season break after helping Egypt reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The La Liga champions are preparing for the 2026-27 season under Flick.
"I think he's very humble and has a very good character," Flick said. "His mentality is to give his best every day."
Asked about the teenager's potential, Flick said that "he has a lot of potential."
Barcelona exercised their option to sign Abdelkarim permanently from Egyptian club Al Ahly after an impressive loan spell with the club's reserve side.
Abdelkarim, the first Egyptian player to join Barcelona, scored six goals in 11 appearances for the reserve team during his loan spell.
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