‘Calvin Bassey could be’ – Ex-Newcastle GK tips Fulham & Nigeria star to reach Virgil van Dijk’s level

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has tipped Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey to reach the heights of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, after a standout performance in Fulham’s 3-2 win over the Premier League leaders at Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bassey, 25, was instrumental as Fulham ended Liverpool’s 26-match unbeaten run in the league, producing a dominant display against Mohamed Salah — currently the league’s top scorer with 27 goals.

The Nigerian defender kept Salah quiet throughout the match, restricting him to zero shots on target.

“Calvin has all the skills to be a top central defender. He ticks all the boxes to be a top, top player. Now he has to be more consistent,” said Fulham manager Marco Silva, after the match.

Silva praised Bassey for his aggression, athleticism, and decision-making in high-pressure moments.

The former Ajax and Rangers defender made five clearances, three tackles, one interception, and blocked a shot as he helped the Cottagers secure a memorable win.

Absolute dominance from Calvin Bassey… pic.twitter.com/dR4TQffKuw

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) March 17, 2025

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

READ MORE

• Top 10: Nigeria’s best players at the weekend – Iwobi, Bassey, Chukwuemeka, and Okoye lead the charge
• Iwobi’s stunning strike seals historic 3-2 win for Fulham against Liverpool

What Shay Given said of Calvin Bassey 

It was a performance that caught the attention of Given, who was full of praise for Bassey on BBC’s Match of the Day 2 via the Scottish Sun.

The ex-Newcastle and Manchester City shot-stopper reflected on Bassey’s growth and even compared his career path to that of Van Dijk, who also made his name in Glasgow before heading to the Premier League.

“Bassey has had a brilliant game and he's had a really good season,” Given said.

“Marco Silva says, if he can be more consistent, he'll be a top defender. He was at Rangers for a couple of years and he went to Ajax. He is more comfortable on the ball since he's been to Holland and come back.

“He's 25 and he's in his prime. He is strong and he's enjoying his football. We know how strong Mo Salah is – but not in this game.

“He even tried one drag-back. He was turning into Johan Cruyff. It was brilliant play by Bassey. I don't know where he gets the energy from. Marco knows he's got a top player.”

Then came Given’s boldest statement:

“I'm going to say something random and some people may disagree.

“The opposite centre-back in the game, Virgil van Dijk, is a phenomenal player. He's had a similar pathway. He's gone to Glasgow with Celtic. Southampton took him and look at the career he's had.

“Am I getting ahead of myself to say Bassey could be in that bracket?”

Bassey, who was part of the Rangers squad that reached the 2022 Europa League final and won both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, moved to Fulham from Ajax in 2023.

With Fulham eyeing European qualification, Silva will be counting on more consistent performances from the Super Eagles centre-back.