Champion League
Calvin Bassey: Ajax coach explains essence of Nigerian defender despite blip in form
By Wale Mustapha
Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey may not be having much playing time at Ajax for now, but he is still a very important member of the Dutch club, according to Ajax coach, John Heitinga.
The Super Eagles defender joined Ajax from Rangers in the 2022 summer for a mouthwatering deal and he was a regular starter under the former coach Alfred Schreuder as both center-back and full-back.
The sacking of Schreuder following poor results at Ajax saw Bassey out of favor among the favorite defenders for the club as he was criticized for poor passing and being too slow.
The 23-year-old has started only one game in Ajax’s last six games since Heitinga took over and the Dutch legend who admitted to Bassey’s current struggles insists he’s still a valuable asset to the club.
“Calvin (Bassey) is a top professional. He comes from Glasgow and knows a different way of playing,” Heitinga told ESPN.
“In Holland, a lot is demanded of the ball and you play with a lot of space behind you. He can defend.
“We have to help him and make sure he has plenty of opportunities, but we know how long the rest of the season is. We are going to need him,” he said.
Ajax have won the last five games that Bassey did not featured and conceded just two goals. The only game he started was against Union Berlin in the UEFA Europa League with its second let billed for Thursday.
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