“He did his job perfectly”- Fulham boss Marco Silva impressed with Bassey’s debut showing against Chelsea

Bassey just joined Fulham last week, but he already seems to be comfortable with the Londoners 

Fulham coach Marco Silva has praised Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey for his debut performance against Chelsea in a pre-season encounter, Soccernet reports.

Bassey struggled to fit in at Amsterdam last season following his transfer from Rangers. The Nigerian defender struggled to get playtime under coach John Heitinga as he was often the scapegoat whenever Ajax lost.

Even new boss Maurice Steijn, who just took over at Ajax this summer, advised him to move because he was not an important member of the team.

Bassey joined Premier League side Fulham last week in a transfer worth €22.5million, and he was given a baptism of fire. His first game was against Chelsea in a pre-season fixture in America.

The Super Eagles star was introduced into the game at halftime when Chelsea were already two goals up, and he put up a good performance.

Fulham boss Silva was impressed after Bassey's showing, even though they lost 2-0.

“It was his[Bassey] first 45 minutes. I told him I didn't want to see anything brilliant or extraordinary from him,” Marco Silva said, per Voetbal Flitsen.

“I wanted him to start simple so he could have some confidence. And he did it perfectly”.

“If he gets to know his teammates even better, knows the patterns and principles, then he can show even more. Also, on the ball, he is a very strong lad. It is only a matter of time before he is fully integrated.”

Bassey would be expected to play a major role at Fulham next season because of the departure of Tosin Adarabioyo.