The wait is finally coming to an end as Hamza Choudhury prepares to don the Bangladesh jersey against India on 25 March.
Arriving in the country on 17 March, Hamza’s homecoming has fuelled excitement and anticipation among Bangladesh football fans.
With his versatility, energy, and top-level experience — honed through years at Leicester City and now Sheffield United — Hamza’s inclusion could be the game-changer Bangladesh have long sought.
After touching down, Hamza was asked about his preferred position and jersey number. He answered confidently: CDM and number 8, setting the tone for his expected role in the team.
But how will Bangladesh deploy their new midfield dynamo?
With coach Javier Cabrera known for his tactical flexibility, Hamza’s addition gives Bangladesh the freedom to explore new setups, potentially shifting the balance of the team’s structure.
Since the 2023 SAFF Championship, Cabrera has experimented with a 4-4-2 diamond - a strikerless system designed to maximize speed and fluidity.
Rakib Hossain and Foysal Ahmed Fahim acted as hybrid winger-forwards, interchanging positions and stretching defenses, while Shekh Morsalin played just behind them as a creative outlet.
However, despite the fluid movement, the system struggled to produce goals, partly because neither Rakib nor Fahim are natural strikers.
Hamza’s arrival could change the equation.
His ability to function as a box-to-box midfielder means he can cover extensive areas of the pitch - an invaluable trait in South Asian football, where space and movement often dictate the game’s outcome - exactly what Bangladesh lacked in this formation. When Rakib and Fahim push high, Hamza’s energy and positional awareness would ensure midfield gaps are covered, preventing Bangladesh from being overrun in transitions.
This versatility could allow Coach Javier Cabrera to experiment with formations: 4–3–3 or a 4–2–3–1, where Hamza would either anchor the midfield as a box-to-box dynamo or operate as one half of a double pivot.
In a 4-3-3 setup, Hamza would take on a dynamic, all-action midfield role. He wouldn’t just be tasked with shielding the backline — he’d also be responsible for breaking up India’s build-up play, intercepting passes, and driving forward with the ball.
His long-range passing ability and occasional knack for scoring—evidenced by memorable strikes in the Premier League and FA Cup—could turn defensive recoveries into unexpected offensive opportunities.
Ridoy anchors the midfield, allowing Jamal to dictate play while Hamza acts as the energetic link between defense and attack.
Crucially, this formation allows Rakib and Fahim to play as traditional wingers, staying wide to stretch India’s backline. Hamza’s coverage in midfield ensures Bangladesh won’t lose shape when the wingers push forward.
Alternatively, the 4–2–3–1 formation setup gives Bangladesh a solid double-pivot in midfield, with Ridoy holding and Jamal Bhuyan orchestrating play alongside Hamza.
Hamza would be the box-to-box midfielder, tasked with winning the ball back and driving Bangladesh forward. His ability to progress play — combined with the pace of Rakib and Fahim on the wings — could turn defensive recoveries into quick counters.
Morsalin remains the key creative force in the No. 10 role, feeding the wide forwards. Al Amin could take that position as well.
This system could offer a better balance of defence and attack.
India, under new Spanish coach Manolo Marquez, primarily deploy a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, both of which focus on wide play and quick transitions.
Against India’s 4-4-2, which looks to overload the flanks and switch play quickly, Hamza’s presence is crucial. His defensive awareness could cut off passing lanes and stifle India’s midfield build-up.
If Marquez opts for a 4-2-3-1, Bangladesh must nullify India’s No. 10 to prevent them from dictating play. Hamza’s aggressive pressing and recovery speed could be the key to shutting this down, turning India’s possession-heavy style into Bangladesh’s counterattacking opportunities.
Whether Cabrera commits to 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, Hamza’s box-to-box presence unlocks new tactical possibilities.
Hamza’s work rate, defensive acumen, and ability to drive attacks from deep give Bangladesh a new dimension — one that could neutralize India’s organized, possession-heavy approach.
Cabrera’s upcoming training sessions will undoubtedly be crucial. Hamza’s role — whether in a midfield three, a double pivot, or roaming as a box-to-box engine — could determine Bangladesh’s approach against India.
With flexibility in formations, Hamza might just be the missing link to help Bangladesh transition from defensive resilience to a balanced, dynamic, and goal-oriented side.
Bangladesh’s probable playing XI against India
Goalkeeper: Mitul Marma; Defenders: Topu Barman, Tariq Kazi, Isa Faysal, Taj Uddin; Midfielders: Hamza Choudhury, Mohammad Ridoy, Jamal Bhuyan/Quazem Kirmanee Shah; Forwards: Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Al Amin, Rakib Hossain
Source: Daily Sun
bd-pratidin/Rafid
