The Nigerian defender was class, composure, and quality personified in his first-ever game in the Dutch top flight
A section of the Ajax fanbase has showered praises on Calvin Bassey following the Super Eagles left-back’s brilliant debut in the Eredivisie on Sunday.
Bassey finally featured in his first Eredivisie match since joining Ajax, playing from start to finish in the narrow 1-0 win at Sparta Rotterdam.
The Nigerian defender had missed the champions’ first two league games due to suspension.
It would be recalled that Bassey was red-carded in the Johan Cruyff Shield defeat to rivals PSV Eindhoven, minutes into his competitive now for Ajax.
But Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder threw Bassey right back into the mix of things at the Sparta-Stadion Het Kasteel in Rotterdam, starting the youngster at centre-back. At the same time, ex-Manchester United man Daley Blind moved to left-back.
Sparta frustrated the reigning kings for a large portion, but Steven Bergwijn’s 37th-minute strike was enough to hand the visitors all three points.
Bassey’s classy and disciplined performance was one of the highlights of the matchday three clash, though.
Having been criticised from all sides for weeks, Bassey showed his defensive quality by making four clearances and winning three duels.
The former Rangers defender’s passing ability was even more impressive as he made 101 passes, completing 98 for an astonishing 97 percent pass accuracy. Two of his three long balls also found their intended target. (Sofascore)
What are Ajax supporters saying?
Many Ajax fans were delighted with Bassey’s display.
One Twitter user, Evinbikee, noted that Bassey, with his quality, appears destined to play for Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, two of the world’s biggest clubs.
He tweeted: “Bassey is definitely moving to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid from Ajax. Boy is good with the ball on his feet as a central defender. Wow. Future African best defender.”
https://twitter.com/evinbikee/status/1561351049109200896
Another club support page, Ajax Analytics, describes the variety in Bassey’s game this way: “The importance of Calvin Bassey in this team can already be seen today. He brings the physical power, speed and aerial ability which Ajax needed in central defence after Lisandro Martínez left.”
https://twitter.com/AjaxAnalytics_/status/1561342683439939584
Below are excerpts of some other fans’ reactions to Bassey’s brilliance.
https://twitter.com/n_bennett91/status/1561375582960615429
https://twitter.com/PapiMento_Ajax/status/1561336143035224064
Bassey was top class today. Seems to be much more settled at CB rather than LB. Gonna be a great signing for Ajax.
— Aaron Douglas (@wee_dougy) August 21, 2022
Ajax a work-in-progress but lots to be happy about in early days under Schreuder:
— Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) August 21, 2022
– 9 points from 3 games
– Bergwijn 5 goals from 4 games
– First clean sheet of the season
– Bassey much better at centre-back today #spaaja
Utrecht away next weekend. Usually a big test for Ajax!
Bassey is the second most expensive signing in Ajax history, completing a multimillion-euro move from Glasgow Rangers last month.
