Sheffield Wednesday will hope that they can put together a positive sequence of results and fast to get out of the mess they're currently swamped in, the Owls rooted to the bottom of the Championship on six points with Huddersfield Town on 15 points a place above the relegation spots in 21st.

Danny Rohl was meant to be the breath of fresh air that kickstarted a meaningful run of wins to get Wednesday up and running in the league, but the new German manager at Hillsborough has only managed to steer his side to one win from his opening five games to further pile on the misery in south Yorkshire.

You'd hope that certain players within the downbeat Owls group would want to turn around their fortunes to instil some pride back into proceedings, on top of the fact the majority of them are currently fighting it out for their long-term futures at the club.

Here are five players fighting for their respective careers currently at Hillsborough under their new 34-year-old boss…

1

Mallik Wilks

The penny has to have dropped for Wilks by now looking at how his time with Wednesday has gone over the past few seasons, consistent injury issues leaving him out of many first-team squads over his disappointing two years at Hillsborough but his lack of quality when fit has also seen managers before Rohl decide not to pick him anyway.

Wilks has mustered up a pitiful two goals from 28 appearances for the Owls in a move that now feels ill-fated from Hull City, the Leeds-born attacker playing at the peak of his powers with the Tigers with 30 goals from 91 appearances.

Rohl has given Wilks opportunities since coming into the building, but the 24-year-old continues to underperform for Wednesday.

He has averaged a dire 6.23 Sofascore rating from his fleeting appearances in an Owls shirt this season, his display as a substitute away at Watford recently in league action saw him attempt zero shots on goal from a 25-minute spell on the pitch alongside losing six of his seven ground duels at Vicarage Road as per Sofascore.

Wilks could be moved on soon from Yorkshire, with Rohl's patience presumably already growing thin when it comes to his misfiring number seven.

2

Marvin Johnson

Frozen out of the team much like Wilks under ex-boss Xisco Munoz, Marvin Johnson has been reintroduced into the first-team set-up under Rohl's management and will want to fight for his spot and make it his own again after being ostracised.

Wednesday's number 18 was key last season to the Owls winning promotion to the Championship, always a creative outlet for his team to rely on from down the left wing – finishing the normal campaign with ten assists to his name, and then adding a further assist to his impressive tally in the famed playoff semi-final clash against Peterborough United at Hillsborough.

Lacking confidence at this point in time – and sharpness by being out of the first-team picture for so long – Rohl will hope Johnson's effectiveness in swarming forward down the channels in League One can reappear in the now for Wednesday.

He has to plenty to work on however if his Millwall performance recently is anything to go off of, inaccurate with all eight of his crosses versus the Lions as per Sofascore.

3

Ashley Fletcher

Joining on loan from Watford this summer, Ashley Fletcher is yet to really get going in an Owls strip this season since relocating to Sheffield.

Not helped by his side's clear lack of creativity and incisiveness in other positions, Fletcher is still without a Wednesday goal from 13 appearances.

The 28-year-old has only averaged 29 minutes of action per 90 minutes this season according to Sofascore, but if he was showing glimpses of brilliance in these cameos, he would play himself into the first eleven as a result.

Instead, he finds himself on the periphery with the Owls away from Watford in a loan deal that isn't really benefitting anyone.

Substituted off at half-time in the 4-0 Millwall loss last time out, the 6 foot 1 attacker couldn't even muster up a single shot to test the opposing goalkeeper before being hauled off by Rohl.

Fletcher will continue to fight for a spot in his current manager's first-team plans, but it could be a case of Wednesday cancelling this loan deal come January if he remains as toothless as he has been over the weeks to come.

4

Lee Gregory

Now 35 years of age, Gregory was seeing out his career at Sheffield Wednesday in fine form when you cast an eye over last season's statistics for the veteran forward.

Gregory managed 11 goals up top for the Owls under Darren Moore, the ageing attacker combining with strike partner Michael Smith to devastating effect in the third tier.

Now, however, the former Stoke City man is enduring a barren goalscoring spell in the division above.

Scoring on the opening day versus Southampton to open Wednesday's account in the league, the Sheffield-born striker hasn't found the back of the net since to the dismay of the Owls masses who once viewed Gregory as a reliable source of important strikes.

The weeks leading up to January could be make or break for Gregory, with the very real possibility of the 35-year-old being phased out of the first team completely creeping up on the experienced figure if he isn't careful.

5

Liam Palmer

A part of the furniture at Hillsborough in a similar way to Gregory – the 32-year-old a dedicated servant to Wednesday with 407 appearances notched up since joining in 2010 – Palmer has also struggled with the ferocity of the Championship when playing this season for the beleaguered Owls.

Only starting five times for Wednesday this campaign, the right-back hasn't come onto the pitch at all for the Owls in their last five Championship encounters under Rohl.

His displays prior to being dropped didn't exactly inspire confidence that Palmer was the right man to continue starting at right-back, an 11-minute spell against Sunderland in mid-October saw the Scotsman lose possession a remarkable six times as per Sofascore.

Palmer will hope that he can come good again, loved by the Wednesday masses when on song for his passion and ability on the ball.

Ruben Amorim will reportedly not succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool with West Ham also set to miss out on the Sporting CP boss.

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• Amorim no longer in frame for Liverpool & West Ham jobs
• Could potentially stay on at Sporting
• Liverpool have De Zerbi on their shortlist

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Portuguese outlet, Amorim won't be joining either of the Premier League clubs as he seems poised to remain at Sporting beyond the current season. Both Liverpool and West Ham had expressed interest in Amorim to solve their managerial crisis. While Klopp is set to depart Anfield at the end of the season, there are lingering doubts over David Moyes' future at West Ham after an underwhelming season.

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  Amorim's recent trip to London, where he reportedly held talks with West Ham, did not lead to positive outcomes. Whereas, reports that talks between Amroim and Liverpool have stalled "since last week". It is also alleged that the Hammersoffered him a more lucrative financial package than Liverpool but the manager is "keeping his options open" and could even settle for a club outside England if he chooses to leave Sporting.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sporting Lisbon, under Amorim's leadership, have enjoyed a successful season, as they currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Portuguese top flight. Additionally, the club is in contention for the Taca de Portugal, with a final match against Porto scheduled for May 26th.

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  With Amorim likely to stay at Sporting Lisbon, both Liverpool and West Ham may need to explore alternative options for managerial appointments. Among the potential candidates for the Reds is Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi and Feyenoord manager Arne Slot. Meanwhile, former Roma head coach Jose Mourinho sparked speculation about his potential return to the English Premier League when he made a surprise appearance at Craven Cottage to watch Liverpool defeat Fulham.

Chelsea are enduring one of their most tumultuous Premier League seasons to date under Mauricio Pochettino this year.

While they currently sit in 12th place – exactly where they finished last season – the Blues feel like a club in crisis, a crisis only made all the more acute following back-to-back losses against Manchester United and Everton.

The two-time European champions have a team stacked with promising young talent, but it just hasn't clicked yet. Yet, perhaps with the addition of a seasoned topflight performer, it could.

Luckily enough, the west Londoners have recently been linked to Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who has recently been playing a deeper role akin to where Cesc Fàbregas played the last time the club lifted the Premier League trophy.

Chelsea transfer news – Hakan Calhanoglu

According to Italian publication Tuttosport, Calhanoglu could be on his way out of the San Siro in 2024, and Chelsea and Liverpool look to be the most interested parties.

The 29-year-old has been a vital part of the Nerazzurri's midfield since he joined the club from local rivals AC Milan as a free agent in 2021.

The Turkish international signed a contract extension until 2027 this summer, meaning the Blues won't be able to pick him up on the cheap. He is valued at €40m by the CIES Football Observatory, which works out to about £34m.

While it's not a cheap deal by any stretch of the imagination, it would pale in comparison to some of Chelsea's recent midfield purchases, and if they pulled the trigger on the Inter man, he could even threaten the place of their £115m man, Moises Caicedo.

However, if the "exceptional" midfielder, as Milan manager Stefan Pioli described, can improve Pochettino's midfield, it might be worth it.

Hakan Calhanoglu could replicate Cesc Fàbregas at Stamford Bridge

The last time Chelsea won the league was in the 2016/17 season, under the management of Antonio Conte and with an experienced professional at the base of their midfield – Fàbregas.

The Spanish international also played in more central and attacking roles at points throughout the campaign, but his primary role was defensive midfield.

This mirrors Calhanoglu's time at the San Siro, as when he first joined Inter, he was used as a central midfielder before being used in both central and defensive areas last season, to being used exclusively as a number six this campaign.

His introduction into Chelsea's youthful and inexperienced side could have the same effect that Fabregas had all those years ago.

Hakan Calhanoglu could replace Moises Caicedo at Chelsea

One player who could lose out following the potential arrival of the Turkish midfielder is Caicedo, who has been used in a defensive midfield role 14 times this season.

Despite joining the club off the back of a massive transfer saga and brilliant campaign last season, it would be fair to say that the Ecuadorian has had a "tough start" in west London; at least, that's how former Chelsea player Craig Burley described it to ESPN FC.

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In his first game for the club, he gave away a penalty, and since then, it's been hard to describe any of his performances as impressive.

When comparing the underlying numbers of Caicedo and Calhanoglu, it becomes evident that, at least in the short term, the former Milan man would be a massive upgrade.

Hakan Calhanoglu vs Moises Caicedo

Stats (per 90)

Calhanoglu

Caicedo

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.27

0.09

Shots on Target

1.78

0.41

Progressive Passes

6.52

4.59

Progressive Carries

1.26

0.49

Attempted Passes (Completed)

77.2 (88.8%)

61.0 (91.1%)

Shot-Creating Actions

3.85

1.72

Goal-Creating Actions

0.52

0.25

Tackles Won

1.48

1.15

Ball Recoveries

6.96

5.41

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Ultimately, if Chelsea can sign the "sensational" Calhanoglu, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, they absolutely should, as with him at the base of their midfield, they might just be able to drag themselves out of the abyss they currently find themselves in.

However, any such move could spell the end of Caicedo's starting role, at least in the short term.

Aston Villa owners NSWE are ready to back manager Unai Emery by signing two new attackers in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa transfer update

The club have been in brilliant form in 2023, especially at Villa Park, with Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal seeing them achieve a new club record 15th home win in the Premier League.

Emery has overseen every one of those after replacing Steven Gerrard towards the end of 2022 and has taken Villa into Europe. Villa appear to be in a battle for a top-four finish or even a push for the title this time around, with NSWE backing him in the transfer window over the summer.

Aston Villa summer signings

Fee

Pau Torres (Villarreal)

£33m

Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)

Undisclosed

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Free

Rico Richards (West Bromwich Albion)

Free

Nicolo Zaniolo (Galatasaray)

Loan

All fees according to Sky Sports

To ensure Villa don’t rest on their laurels, the club look to be ready to get the chequebook out once more in the New Year, with a fresh update coming to light.

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, NSWE are ready to bankroll Emery again by signing two new attacking players for the Spaniard. One possible target named was RB Salzburg starlet Oscar Gloukh, whereas Villa also want a new centre-forward to provide competition to Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa attackers

Emery’s side haven’t exactly struggled for goals in the top flight this season, scoring 35 times in 20 league games, more than the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, Brighton, West Ham and Fulham in the top half.

In all competitions, Watkins is the top scorer during the current campaign with 13, whereas Leon Bailey has scored eight times and Douglas Luiz and John McGinn six a piece. Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran have four each to their name, with eight other players getting their name on the scoresheet at some point. (Aston Villa top scorers – BBC)

Alongside strikers Watkins and Duran, Villa have Bailey and Diaby as regular wide options, loanee Nicolo Zainolo as an attacking midfielder, whereas Emiliano Bunedia and Bertrand Traore are currently sidelined through injury. (Aston Villa squad – Transfermarkt)

Therefore, you can see why Villa and Emery would want to add to their ranks in the final third, and bringing in two new additions could help them achieve their goal of qualifying for the Champions League or pushing for the title in the second half of the season, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

تلقى كريم نيدفيد، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، عروضًا محلية في الساعات الأخيرة للحصول على خدماته في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية.

وكشفت مصادر خاصة لـ بطولات، عن تلقي نيدفيد، عروضًا من أندية زد وسيراميكا كليوباترا والمصري البورسعيدي، لضمه بداية من الموسم الجديد.

طالع..خاص.. التفاصيل المالية لانتقال محمد عبد المنعم إلى نيس الفرنسي

ويمتلك لاعب الأهلي، عرضًا خليجيًا أيضًا بجانب الثلاث عروض المحلية، حيث يبحث عن الرحيل عن القلعة الحمراء.

وأوضحت المصادر، أن هناك رغبة لدى مسئولي النادي الأهلي، لرحيل اللاعب على سبيل الإعارة وليس البيع النهائي.

في نفس الوقت يرغب نيدفيد في الرحيل عن الأهلي بشكل نهائي، وغير موافق على الإعارة مرة أخرى.

It has been another abysmal campaign for Chelsea so far this season, and while they have a team full of young and promising players, they currently find themselves in 12th place in the Premier League and closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.

Mauricio Pochettino has endured a particularly bruising few weeks at the helm, witnessing his team get soundly beaten by Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United in 15 days.

With no uptick in form on the horizon, the Blues might have to dip back into the transfer market this January in search of players that could help them turn their fortunes around.

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One of those players touted with a move is Club Brugge's Antonio Nusa, who the board will be hoping can replicate the performances of another exciting youngster who joined Chelsea from Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne.

Chelsea transfer news – Antonio Nusa

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano (via Caught Offside), Chelsea hold an interest in and have been monitoring Brugge's 18-year-old sensation.

However, the Italian also confirmed that "there are something like ten top clubs following Nusa around Europe, not just Chelsea", which could pose an issue for Todd Boehly and co.

There has been little reliable reporting on a potential fee since the summer, but considering the young Norwegian's contract is set to run until summer 2027, you can be sure it'll be suitably pricey.

That said, for a youngster that football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "something very special", he might prove worth whatever Brugge demands.

Antonio Nusa could deliver Chelsea De Bruyne-esque performances

The first thing to say is that De Bruyne is one of the best – if not the best – midfielders to have ever played in the Premier League, and to expect Nusa to reach his level would be frankly absurd. However, his awe-inspiring performances in Belgium indicate that he could get close if he signed for Chelsea.

For example, FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the world's next 14 competitions, has the young "star", as described by U23 Scout Antonio Mango, in the top 1% for shots, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition penalty area, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions, per 90.

His individual per 90 numbers are just as impressive as he has racked up 0.59 non-penalty expected goals and assists, 7.58 progressive carries, 3.23 progressive passes, and perhaps most impressive, he makes five successful take-ons per 90.

That kind of raw attacking talent – which has seen him post two goals and two assists in 11 league games this season – could go a long way in helping Pochettino stop the rot at Stamford Bridge, even if there will inevitably be elements of his game that need work, given his age.

Stat (per 90)

Nusa

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.59

Progressive Carries

7.58

Progressive Passes

3.23

Shots on Target

1.46

Shot-Creating Actions

6.65

Goal-Creating Actions

1.30

Successful Take-Ons

5.00

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Ultimately, Chelsea need some new and effective attacking players this season, and while the 5 foot 11 Nusa probably isn't going to have quite the career that De Bruyne has, he gives the Blues a second run at keeping an incredibly talented player from the Belgian league at the club.

The west Londoners ultimately let De Bruyne slip from their grasp after poaching him Genk as a 20-year-old back in 2012, although they could well atone for that error by snapping up another exciting gem from the Pro League.

With Rangpur requiring 10 off the last over, the left-arm pacer managed three dot balls to tie Rangpur down and deliver a tense win

The Report by Mohammad Isam13-Jan-2019

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How the game played outMustafizur Rahman’s superb death-overs bowling hauled Rajshahi Kings to an unlikely five-run win over Rangpur Riders, who had seemed to be cruising until the 19th over of their 136-run chase. Mustafizur tied down Farhad Reza for three balls, before Rilee Rossouw scampered through for a bye off the fifth ball.Rossouw, however, couldn’t force the game into a Super Over, as Mustafizur delivered a superb full ball that was squirted into the in-field for a single. Rossouw was unbeaten on 44 off 46 balls with three fours.Earlier, the faltering Kings were boosted by a 54-run fourth-wicket stand between Mohammad Hafeez and Zakir Hasan, who top-scored with an unbeaten 36-ball 42, that kept the Kings on track till the 14th over. But they lost their way thereafter, making only 39 runs in the last five.Turning points Mashrafe slowing the Kings down by removing Soumya Sarkar in the sixth over, caught at long-on. Soumya had made an aggressive start, hitting two fours and a six in his 13-ball 18. Ravi Bopara’s direct hit that ran out Mohammad Hafeez in the 14th over, after he and Zakir had helped the Kings recover with a 54-run stand following the three early wickets. Mustafizur Rahman conceding only three runs in the last over, when Riders needed nine. He bowled three dot balls to Farhad Reza who, despite having a set Rossouw at the other end, kept swinging and missing.Star of the dayMustafizur kept his reputation as one of the best slog-over bowlers in the world, conceding just seven runs in two overs when the Kings needed to defend 22 runs off the last three overs.The big missRossouw would rue taking a single off the first ball of the last over, as Reza spent the next three swinging and missing.Where the teams standThe defending champions Riders have lost their third game in five outings, while Rajshahi have picked up their second win in four games.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o empate por 1 a 1 com o Palmeiras, na última terça, o elenco do Vasco viajou para Atibaia,em São Paulo, no intuito de se preparar para uma decisão contra o Bahia, em São Januário, no domingo. Em coletiva virtual, o goleiro Fernando Miguel elogiou o trabalho de Vanderlei Luxemburgo e ressaltou que a equipe não pode vacilar neste momento decisivo da temporada.

> Confira a tabela atualizada do Brasileirão 2020 e simule os resultados

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– A relação com o Vanderlei já é construída desde a temporada passada. Quando chegou o momento era mais ou menos parecido com esse, porém ele chegou mais no início do Brasileiro. E teve mais tempo para colocar em prática tudo aquilo que imaginava e que precisava para fortalecer as lideranças que precisam ser fortalecidas. Esse é um momento que essa parceria que traz essa identificação, onde ele já conhece o grupo lá de trás, precisa ser mais prática e certeira. São poucos jogos que temos, e ele chegou num momento muito delicado. Ele trouxe bastante segurança, confiança, validou a liderança de todos – disse.

– Claro que não é só minha e do Castan (liderança), há muitos jogadores que podem compartilhar e dividir com os mais jovens as responsabilidades. Ele faz um trabalho de valorização de todos, dá liberdade e responsabilidade para tomar decisões, mas ao mesmo tempo cobrando responsabilidade com todo o processo que envolve esse momento da temporada. É um momento em que não podemos vacilar. Esse conhecimento que ele tem sobre a gente é fundamental nesse momento – completou.

O arqueiro também comentou sobre as boas atuações do Vasco contra equipes da parte de cima da tabela (Atlético-MG e Palmeiras), mas ressaltou que o Gigante da Colina está se preparando para não ser surpreendido pelo Bahia. Um exemplo disso foi a derrota para o Coritiba, que na época era lanterna do Brasileirão, em São Januário.

– Precisamos encontrar soluções quando somos surpreendidos nas partidas. Nos serviu de lição para que tivéssemos capacidade de leitura de percepção dos jogos para quando as equipes têm mudança de postura. Estamos nos preparando para não sermos surpreendidos pelo Bahia, que teve um investimento alto, mas está lutando pelo mesmo objetivo que o nosso time – completou.

No próximo domingo, o Vasco entra em campo diante do Bahia, às 16h (de Brasília), em São Januário. O confronto é decisivo, e em caso de vitória, o time pode abrir uma boa distância da zona de rebaixamento restando poucos jogos para o fim do campeonato.

Kai Havertz reacted to Arsenal's 3-2 Premier League win over Tottenham in the north London derby with a hilarious post on social media.

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Arsenal enjoy derby win over TottenhamHavertz grabs goal and assistForward shows off 'mood' on social mediaWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal maintained their push for the Premier League title with a 3-2 win over Spurs on Sunday. Havertz was on target in an impressive display for Mikel Arteta's side, who remain top of the table for the time being. The forward also thrilled fans after the match by sharing a post on social media featuring a popular meme trend started by American rapper Lil Yachty.

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Havertz posted the following meme on X with the one-word caption "mood:"

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Havertz's post is based on a viral clip of rapper Lil Yachty walking on stage at a festival to perform. The clip has become popular on social media with users adding images of a host of different people in Yachty's place. The Germany international is clearly loving life after Sunday's crucial win for the Gunners. Havertz's latest strike means he now has three goals and an assist in his last two outings for Arteta's team.

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Arsenal will continue their chase for the title on Saturday when they host Bournemouth at the Emirates. Arteta's men then finish off their league campaign with games against Manchester United and Everton.

Zubayr Hamza doesn’t want to get ahead of himself, but the possibility of making his debut in the current South Africa batting unit is “something you only dream of”.Hamza has been travelling as a reserve batsman in the Test squad, but Faf du Plessis’ suspension has opened up an opportunity for the 23-year-old to be South Africa’s 100th cap since readmission.”As a batting unit, It’s something you only dream of, batting with these guys, playing in the same side and representing your country,” said Hamza at the Wanderers on Wednesday. “I haven’t received confirmation if I am playing or not. If given the chance that would be great, I have really enjoyed my time so far, the training has been intense and everyone has been welcoming. I have felt comfortable within the team surrounding. If given the chance, I am looking forward to it. There is a lot of excitement at the moment.”Hamza is yet to score a first-class century this season (he has three fifties for Cape Cobras), but has enjoyed an otherwise fruitful run at franchise level over the last two years, averaging a shade over 49 with nine centuries, including an unbeaten double. Although he is lacking in match time after missing out on the Mzansi Super League and a round of CSA four-day matches since he has been with the squad, he remains confident about his preparation and form.”It was disappointing, but the month off [from the MSL] gave me perspective and I focused on working on myself and on my game,” he explained. “Yes I haven’t started off too well this season with franchise cricket but I don’t feel out of form. I still feel like I’m batting well and that I have a lot to offer. The runs and performances haven’t shown it but that is not how I feel, I have been batting well. I have been training well with the world-class coaching staff that we have here, and I have learnt a lot so far.”Born and bred in Cape Town, Hamza matriculated from Rondebosch Boys High School. It is an institution that has produced a notable cricketing alumni including Jonathan Trott, Gary Kirsten, HD Ackerman and Andrew Puttick, who also played an early role in guiding Hamza’s development before he blossomed under Cobras coach Ashwell Prince.While not many will have seen him bat before, Hamza’s promising first-class record speaks for itself. He is a batsman with the kind of grit that could help him slot easily into a squad that has thrived off fast bowling and braved batting in seam-friendly conditions, and professed a “willingness to battle” as what he will look to bring to the side if selected.Hamza described his style as “at times free-flowing, but also willing to graft. Never looking the prettiest, but I take pride out of the innings where there’s a bit of struggle in them.” He grew up idolising players such as Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla, but says he has been feeding off most of the players in the squad on what it takes to perform at international level.”When I look up to someone, it’s not necessarily the person they are, but a combination of a whole lot of people and what they bring to the game,” Hamza said. “Faf for example is very cool and calm at the crease. Then there’s Kallis’ technique, or Virat Kohli’s passion. Stuff like that, I pay attention to. I look up to those things.”I have learnt a lot from every individual in the team, whether it is on the field or off the field. For me, I’d like to stay true to myself and stick to the game plans that have got me to this position. I will try to be self-confident and have self-belief.”I have tucked under a few guys’ wings so far,” he admitted. “I’ve been leeching as much information as I can about what it takes to perform at this level, and then sort of combining it and finding my own mixture to try and perform as an individual.”