Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri is enjoying a loan spell at Birmingham City in the Championship.
The midfielder provided an assist in the 97th minute to clinch a 4-3 win away at Swansea City at the weekend.
He now has two assists in his last three games, and has told Sky Sports he is enjoying playing competitive football.
It is a step up from under-21 football and while he admits it is a learning curve, he says he is learning to adapt.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Loan making Hannibal a better player
The Championship is an intensely competitive league and Hannibal feels the division is sharpening him up.
He says he has quickly learned that his ability in possession is not enough on it’s own to be successful.
Hannibal explained: “I think I have some good technical ability and I can play some good passes. I see things maybe earlier than some other players.
“But since I am in the Championship, I have seen that I need to work on my physical capabilities. It is making me a better player.
“As a Championship No 8 you have to contest the second balls. You don’t really see this dirty work as much in the Premier League, but it is really important in the Championship.
“If you don’t pick up those second balls or win your duels you can feel it straightaway.”
Hannibal is a spirited player who sometimes runs the risk of getting too involved off the ball. His cameo away at Liverpool last season in the Premier League demonstrated his willingness to show fight and get stuck in.
He even joked in his interview that he is unafraid to kick players back if he receives a kick himself.
Hannibal has certainly been in the thick of the action, he has received nine yellow cards so far in 26 matches, but he has kept himself in check, as he has avoided getting sent off.
Learning the tread the line is important, and Hannibal is progressing well, with his on ball quality coming to the fore in recent matches.