Calvin Bassey targets improvement after fine Premier League debut with Fulham

By Dayo Awoniyi

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey says he is determined to build on his strong debut season in the Premier League, describing the campaign as a childhood dream come true.

Bassey, 24, joined Fulham last summer from Ajax Amsterdam and quickly became a regular fixture under manager Marco Silva.

The Super Eagles centre-back made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring once and earning praise for his consistency and versatility in defence.

Reflecting on his first season at Craven Cottage, Bassey expressed satisfaction with his performance but insisted he is focused on improving.

“Making my debut in the Premier League, it’s something I dreamt of as a child. So to achieve that was a huge moment for me, one I truly cherish,” Bassey said in a recent interview.

He added that the brief off-season break has only sharpened his hunger for the game.

“Like every footballer, after two or three weeks off, you start missing it. For me, the drive going into a new season is to always be better than the last. That alone should motivate you to become the best version of yourself.”

Bassey’s solid performances helped Fulham secure a mid-table finish, and he is now focused on pushing both his individual game and the team forward in the upcoming campaign.

Fulham begin their pre-season preparations next month, with Bassey expected to play a central role in the squad’s plans for the 2025/26 season.