“We still need him” – Ajax boss admits Bassey’s importance despite struggles

The Super Eagles defender arrived in Ajax highly rated from Rangers, but he has struggled to adapt

Ajax coach John Heitinga has admitted that Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey still has an important role at the club despite his struggles and lack of game time.

Bassey joined Ajax from Rangers in a €23million transfer. Following his transfer, he became the third-most expensive signing for the Godenzonen.

However, Bassey has struggled at the club. When Alfred Schreuder was coach, he was a constant starter, alternating between center-back and full-back.

However, Schreuder was sacked following poor results at the club. Bassey was one of the scapegoats of Schreuder’s reign, as many former Ajax players tore into him. They criticized him for not passing the ball well.

Since Heitinga took charge of Ajax he has reduced Bassey to a bench warmer. The 23-year-old defender has started only one game in Ajax’s last six games.

Heitinga has alluded to Bassey’s struggles and reveals that they are helping him to improve. He also insists that Bassey has an important role in his team.

“Calvin(Bassey) is a top professional. He comes from Glasgow and knows a different way of playing,” Heitinga told ESPN per football Scotland.

“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.”

Ajax have won the last five games that Bassey has not started, and they have conceded just two goals.

The only game he started was against Union Berlin in the Europa League. Ajax will play the second leg of the tie on Thursday. If the club exits the competition, Bassey’s game time may reduce drastically.

The club is doing well in the Eredivisie, and barring injuries, Bassey may have reduced to being a squad player.