Hamza Choudhury’s season can be split into two distinct halves. The first was underwhelming—he struggled to secure a spot in Leicester City’s starting XI. But the second half saw a resurgence. Choudhury made his international debut for Bangladesh and shortly after went on loan to Sheffield United, where he rediscovered his best form.
Under manager Chris Wilder, Choudhury flourished once again. Whether deployed in midfield or at right-back, he excelled in the red-and-white kit of the Blades. And as the season drew to a close, he received due recognition.
The Bangladeshi midfielder was named in the Sky Sports South Asian Team of the Year, selected by journalist Dev Trehan and South Asian football scout Zohaib Rashid. For several years now, Dev Trehan has compiled a Best XI featuring British South Asian footballers playing across all levels of European football.
Choudhury has now been named the best midfielder in this elite XI for two consecutive years. His stellar performances for Sheffield United this season solidified his place in the lineup.
This unique eleven, curated by a journalist and a scout, includes representation from both men’s and women’s football. Among the squad are three female footballers: Nepalese-origin right-back Asmitah Ale, Indian-origin midfielder Milly Chandarana, and striker Simran Jhamat.
Hamza Choudhury is the only Bangladeshi representative in the lineup—and arguably the standout performer, both in terms of individual displays and team contributions. The team is set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Choudhury slotting into midfield alongside Milly Chandarana of Nottingham Forest Women and Zidane Iqbal of FC Utrecht, who has Pakistani heritage.
Sky Sports’ British South Asian Team of the Year (4-3-3 formation):
Goalkeeper: Jasbir Singh (Tamworth FC)
Defenders: Asmitah Ale (Leicester City Women), Mel Benning (Shrewsbury Town), Cam Kandola (Kidderminster Harriers FC), Danny Batth (Blackburn Rovers)
Midfielders: Milly Chandarana (Nottingham Forest Women), Hamza Choudhury (Sheffield United), Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht)
Forwards: Dylan Markande (Blackburn Rovers), Brenden Khela (Bradford City), Simran Jhamat (West Bromwich Albion Women)
A supercomputer has even predicted that Choudhury’s Sheffield United could earn promotion to the Premier League—capping off what has already been a remarkable season for the versatile midfielder.
UA / TDS
