EX-Bayern Munich star backs Bassey to succeed at Ajax amid criticism

Since moving to Ajax, Calvin Bassey has drawn criticism due to his recent slump in performance.

Former Bayern Munich player, Roy Makaay, implores Nigerian international Calvin Bassey to change things at Ajax this season.

The Super Eagles defender made a switch from Rangers FC to Johan Cruijff ArenA in July 2022, after a successful stint with The Teddy Bears.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an outstanding year with The Gers, guiding them to the Europa League Final and almost to the title. Unfortunately, Eintracht Frankfurt of the Bundesliga denied them the win after a shootout.

Ajax has had a terrible season, and Bassey’s lackluster play since his arrival to Amsterdam has drawn criticism.

However, the Nigerian’s former manager at Rangers thinks he is quite influential and can perform well in several positions better than his typical position.

During an interview with Dutch TV, as reported by HeraldScotland, he expressed his belief that the player can overcome criticism and contribute to his team.

“Yes, I think so. I was able to experience him up close for a year and saw him develop enormously in that year. He went from left back to central defender. He’s very strong and fast.

“He is a boy who plays better and better when he has more confidence. I now see that he is struggling, but that also makes sense. Of course there is a lot of criticism of him. You know that criticism is part of a club like Ajax.

“I’m sure he can be of value to Ajax with his qualities. Of course he still has to develop on the ball, but he had a fantastic year last year.” he said.

The Dutchman blasts the media for evaluating him on attributes he doesn’t possess when discussing his skills and goes on to elaborate on what he sees in him.

Hans Kraay Jr added: “I never feel sorry for football players, but I do feel sorry for him sometimes. We judge him on the things he doesn’t really have, namely the qualities in possession.

“He can head excellently, is super fast, can cover well. Ajax has also seen that, so use it that way and don’t use it as a left back in the build-up. This boy can’t help it that he didn’t grow up in the Ajax school.”

Bassey has been on the bench in their previous two triumphs after interim manager John Heitinga took over for Alfred Schreuder, who was fired last week.