Leicester City sent midfielder Hamza Choudhury on loan to Sheffield United in the January transfer window and it appears the fans are falling in love with him.
The 27-year-old was restricted to minutes in the Premier League under Ruud van Nistelrooy but has become a crucial player for Chris Wilder in the promotion race.
Choudhury, who made his Bangladesh debut against India on Tuesday, has always been a cut above in the Championship but just not quite top-flight level.
Leicester fans have a split opinion on Choudhury because of this, as remaining in the Premier League would mean they’d likely want him to leave however, with second-tier football staring them in the face, the ball-winning machine could be crucial next term.
That verdict has become even clearer now after watching Choudhury produce an outstanding performance against Coventry City, with Sheffield United fans standing up to applaud.
Sheffield United fans applaud Hamza Choudhury against Coventry City
Truthfully, the Leicester City loanee has had some mixed performances since making the move to Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United fans slammed Choudhury for ‘walking about’ against Bristol City but in the absence of Brazilian dynamo Vini Souza, the Bangladesh international has come into his own.
On Friday night, United fans were blown away by his performance at home to the Sky Blues as they secured a 3-1 victory on home soil, taking to X during and after the game to leave a comment.
“Some of our fans didn’t want us to sign Hamza Choudhury btw. Excellent addition and has really stepped up in Souza’s absence,” one fan wrote.
“He’s been class today,” another replied while a third commented: “We needed a replacement for Souza if injured and he’s stepped up.”
“My MOTM tonight he’s been everywhere and won everything,” a fifth waxed lyrical while a sixth agreed: “Best player on the pitch.”
“Would love him full time, proper player,” another said, urging the Blades to make his move permanent.
Leicester need to keep Choudhury in the summer
Choudhury perhaps doesn’t possess the technical class to flourish in the top flight, and never has done, but what he does have is an unwavering desire to win possession back.
The Championship is often about who wins the engine room battle, and since signing for United, supporters have found that Choudhury wins the lion’s share of them.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 29 | 7 | 5 | 17 | 40 | 58 | -18 | 26 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 29 | 3 | 8 | 18 | 28 | 62 | -34 | 17 |
| 19 |  LeicesterLeicester | 29 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 25 | 65 | -40 | 17 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 29 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 21 | 70 | -49 | 9 |
So, with Leicester destined to be relegated this term, he could become a crucial player in the second-tier, or at least someone they can rely on from the bench.
He’s the perfect example of what a midfield anchor should be; relentless at winning the ball back, tenacious in the tackle and a bundle of energy.