Sunil Chhetri is good, but Hamza is Premier League player: Bangladesh captain

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan has called Hamza Choudhury the Messi of their national team and played down comparison with India's talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri.

Bhuyan spoke highly of his Indian counterpart, who is fourth on the list of international goal-scorers, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo (135), Lionel Messi (112), and former Iran star Ali Daei (108). Chhetri came out of retirement to score his 95th international goal for India in a 3-0 friendly win against Maldives in Shillong on March 19.

But "I don't think you can compare Sunil to Hamza," Bhuyan told mediapersons in a press conference. "I think Sunil is a very good player, he's done a tremendous job for his country. But let's be honest, Hamza is a Premier League player."

Bangladesh will take on India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Shillong on March 25, which is set to mark former Leicester City midfielder Hamza's first appearance for his national side.

Sheffield United player Hamza, who has represented England in the Under-21 and Under-23 levels, chose to represent Bangladesh, the birthplace of his mother.

Bangladesh captain Bhuyan, who, like Hamza, was born abroad (Denmark) but chose to represent the country of his ancestors, knows what the newcomer brings to his team. "It was the same environment when I came. Now Hamza, a Premier League player, coming to the team is like saying our Messi is coming. I think he fits perfectly."

Goosebumps for Hamza
Bhuyan said he was happy for the tremendous reception Hamza got from the Bangladesh supporters. "With Hamza coming into the team, it gives a lot of inspiration to other footballers around the world to come to Bangladesh and play for the national team. Representing Bangladesh or your home country is the highest thing being a footballer. I think, on the 25th (March) when Hamza hears the national anthem, he's going to get goosebumps."

Hamza said he was delighted for the welcome but claimed he was not under pressure. "At the end of the day, we're playing a football match. I'm not feeling the pressure, I'm feeling a lot of lot right now. I'm just here to try and improve the team," Hamza said.