Hamza Choudhury made an impressive full-match debut for Sheffield United as the Blades claimed their first league win of the season with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.
Just a day after completing his permanent move to Sheffield United, manager Chris Wilder handed the Bangladesh captain an immediate start in midfield.
Hamza repaid that faith with a composed and energetic display as Sheffield twice came from behind before Romelle Donovan struck a 93rd-minute winner.
The hosts endured a chaotic opening. Bolton took the lead inside the first minute when Xavier Simons found the net, but Sheffield answered almost instantly through Japhet Tanganga, who levelled in the fourth minute.
Hamza helped the Blades settle after the frantic start. The 28-year-old completed 45 of his 50 passes, giving him a 90 per cent accuracy rate, while he also won all four of his tackles.
His defensive work proved particularly important as Sheffield battled to stay in the contest. The midfielder also helped provide the control Wilder needed in a game that repeatedly threatened to become stretched.
Bolton regained the advantage in the 67th minute when Sam Dalby finished to make it 2-1.
Sheffield needed only a minute to respond. Patrick Bamford equalised in the 68th minute to set up a tense finish.
With the match heading towards a draw, Donovan produced the decisive moment in the third minute of stoppage time. His strike completed Sheffield’s comeback and gave the Blades their first league victory of the campaign.
The result lifted Sheffield United from 14th to 10th in the table.
For Hamza, the night offered an encouraging start to his second spell with the club. After joining permanently following his previous loan stint, he immediately showed the defensive discipline and passing composure that Sheffield will need throughout the campaign.
