Young Barcelona duo may have a tough time making a breakthrough this season | OneFootball

Before the start of the season, it appeared almost destined that both Hamza Abdelkarim and Jesse Bisiwu could make their breakthrough into the starting eleven this term.

Both players impressed in the pre-season and Barcelona’s failure to sign a top quality striker meant there was scope for Hamza, in particular, to make a big impact in the first-team.

But one month into the new season, neither of the two is yet to make any dent so far, and the road ahead could be just as difficult, reports SPORT.

Hamza is behind the pecking order

Starting with Hamza, the Egyptian starlet was trained as a potential number nine for Barcelona during pre-season.

Hamza is regarded very highly in the Barcelona camp. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

He was seen as a fallback option for the club in case they failed to sign Julian Alvarez. And while Alvarez didn’t come, Barcelona have found other solutions.

Raphinha has stepped up to the plate and has become the club’s leading goalscorer with eight goals in all competitions.

His performances in front of goal has made Barcelona barely miss the absence of a number nine. This has delayed the integration of Hamza Abdelkarim, with Raphinha being the undisputed starter in every match.

To make matters worse, Barcelona also signed Gabriel Jesus as an alternative. That means Hamza has now fallen behind both Raphinha and Jesus, who is keen on competing with his compatriot for more minutes.

That leaves the Egyptian with a lot to do if he is to make a big breakthrough this season. So unless Barcelona fall prey to any injury crisis, it is unlikely the youngster will receive regular minutes, at least for the time being.

What about Bisiwu?

Jesse Bisiwu still has a long way to go. (Picture credit: x/@FCBarcelona)

Much like Hamza, Bisiwu, too, became prey to Barcelona’s transfer market activity, but in a bigger way.

While Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford left, Barcelona were swift to sign both Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

Both players have started out well, too, meaning that Bisiwu has yet to make his official first-team debut under Flick.

The youngster, therefore, will have to first prove his credentials at Barça Atletic, before he can be considered a viable alternative for wide players such as Lamine Yamal, Gordon and Adeyemi.