Under-fire Super Eagles star backed to have a ‘big career’

Since Super Eagles of Nigeria’s disappointing Qatar 2022 World Cup miss, Calvin Bassey has been a subject of criticisms in the country.

The Super Eagles star’s dismal showing in the game against Ghana has been the major reason for the kicks and sticks coming his way but he’s turning heads in Scotland and is being tipped for bigger things.

Former Rangers defender, Maurice Ross believes he has a big career ahead of him and can be helped by his bulky side.

Ross compared the defender to former Rangers skipper, Lorenzo Amoruso.

The 22 year-old defender has been the first choice left back this season for the Gers and has played as a left centre back on occasions.

“I like a full-back to be athletic and hardy as well,” Ross said.

“Calvin Bassey is both of them. Borna Barisic is a bit more one-paced. But even if you have two identical players, sometimes a manager just prefers one to the other. It is never cut and dried.

“But I like Calvin Bassey at left-back. He is a talent and can probably go on and enjoy a big career. He has got a right good chance. He is a physical specimen, he is quick, he is strong.

“If he gets beaten one-v-one he gets back in because he is powerful. If he is ever in a foot race his opponent has to go around him because of his stature, he can’t just run past him. He has such a long reach.

“If you think about it, the fastest way between two points is a straight line. If a player has to go around you because of your frame you have a better chance of winning that ball.

“It was the same with big Amo. In a race for the ball, his opponent would have to go around him. He would nudge into them because he was so strong and by that time he had won the ball back. It is similar with Bassey.”

The defender was hailed for his performance against Celtic despite his team’s struggles and defeat in the game.