“He’s a competitor” – Craig Moore hails ex-Super Eagles invitee’s quality contributions in unfamiliar role

Compatriot Joe Aribo was yet again the star of the show at the Ibrox Stadium yesterday but young Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey also made his presence felt

Rangers hero Craig Moore has lauded Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey for his impressive defensive work in the Gers’ 3-0 defeat of Dundee FC on Saturday.

Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo was the man of the match after he scored the opener and forced the own goal for Rangers’ second before Alfred Morelos added a third.

But Bassey also put in an excellent shift at the heart of the defence to help Rangers keep another clean sheet.

The Leicester City academy graduate is predominantly a left full-back but injury to compatriot Leon Balogun forced new manager Gio van Bronckhorst to redeploy Bassey as a centre-half.

The 21-year-old has barely put a foot wrong as Rangers have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four games across all competitions.

And former Australian international Moore, a no-nonsense defender in his prime, has been left impressed with how Bassey as taken to his new role like a duck to water.

The ex-Newcastle man believes that the Super Eagles hopeful could even make the left centre back position his own.

“He’s come in and done very well,” Moore said, as per the Daily Mail.

“He’s athletic, he’s a competitor. He’s come in and done a good job and might end up sliding into that position.

“He’s given himself another option but most importantly he’s given the manager another option.”

Bassey played eight games, starting just three, as Rangers romped to the league title last season. He has made ten appearances, all starts, this term has he continues to develop his football.

Success at club level has also brought international recognition. Born in Aosta, Italy, to Nigerian parents, Bassey has made himself available for the Super Eagles.

The young defender was invited to the Nigerian camp in October ahead of the World Cup qualifier double-header against the Central African Republic. However, he is yet to make his debut.