Despite heavy criticism of Nigeria international Calvin Bassey, Ajax legend Frank de Boer expressed a contrasting view, saying he would love to have the player alongside him on the pitch. Bassey’s season has been difficult since he joined Ajax for a club‑record £19.6 million (€23 million) from Glasgow Rangers last summer. The 23‑year‑old enjoyed regular playing time under former manager Alfred Schreuder, making 16 league starts and scoring once.
After Schreuder’s departure, interim manager John Heitinga used Bassey off the bench as the struggling Dutch champions secured their first win in five games, thrashing Excelsior 4‑1 at the Van Donge & De Roo Stadion in a Eredivisie fixture last Sunday. In match‑day 20 against Cambuur, the defender was an unused substitute as the visitors recorded a resounding 5‑0 away victory.
Bassey has faced scrutiny for perceived offensive weaknesses and a lack of passing ability, but De Boer disagrees. He believes the Nigerian has the qualities to become a great player, provided his Ajax teammates help him improve. “I think he is a very good left centre‑back. I’d be thrilled to have a Bassey next to me because he’s so fast,” De Boer told Dutch newspaper *De Telegraaf*. “They just have to help him with the ball. Johan Cruijff once jokingly said that the people around you are responsible for how well you play. That’s how Ajax should also help such a boy, because Bassey has a lot of weapons.”
So far this season, Bassey has made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
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