Ex-Ajax star tips Calvin Bassey to become “one of the best defenders” in the Netherlands

Nigerian full-back, Bassey, was named man of the match after Ajax’s 1-0 victory against NEC

Ajax FC legend Sonny Silooy has touted Nigerian international, Calvin Bassey, to become one of the top defenders in the Netherlands.

The Nigerian switched from Rangers FC last summer for a fee in the region of £25 million after his outstanding performance piqued the interest of Ajax.

The Super Eagle who had a rocky start, could not live up to expectations, which drew criticism in the Eredivisie League.

But, under John Heitinga, who moved the right-back to the central defence and coupled him with Jurrien Timber, the ex-Rangers defender has been putting on a fantastic performance lately.

After some games, he began gaining the respect of some new fans with his brilliance for the Jews. Yet, after their tight 1-nil victory against NEC, he was rewarded with the Man Of The Match award.

The former Ajax star is ecstatic that the Nigerian has a spot with the Dutch team, as expressed in his comments on his performance in De Telegraaf.

“Bassey has found his place at Ajax. He now knows, that has probably been made clear to him, that he has to take a ball and play it in,” he said, as quoted by Daily Record.

Nonetheless, the 59-year-old predicted he would rank among the top defenders in Europe and the Dutch league.

“In this, he can become one of the best defenders in the Netherlands. Let’s start with that, maybe from Europe,” he added.

The 23-year-old’s ideal position for Heitinga’s players was further explained by the Rotterdam native.

“He is, of course, much better centrally than on the left, where he also played when Ajax was not in the best period. He just needs to learn to look ahead sooner when danger threatens.

“He has really been on a roll in recent weeks. At one point, he ended up on the back line of NEC, and that is possible again because the remaining defence is now much better organised at Ajax,” he said.

In preparation for their AFCON qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is expected to announce his team. The Nigerian will eagerly bring his most recent impressive performance to the national stage.