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By Ebenezer Bajela.
Ajax coach John Heitinga has rated Nigeria international Calvin Bassey a top professional, admitting that the club need him despite his recent lack of game time.
Following an impressive season with Glasgow Rangers, where he helped the club to the final of the Europa League last season, Bassey joined Ajax in a €23m transfer and became the third-most expensive signing for the Godenzonen.
The 2022/23 season has not really gone according to plans for the Dutch giants, with the Super Eagles defender often targeted by some of the club’s fans and ex-stars.
Under former manager Alfred Schreuder, Bassey was a regular starter and often played either as a centre-back or as full-back.
Following the sacking of Schreuder last month, after a series of poor results, Heitinga was appointed new manager and the Nigerian has seen little action ever since.
The 23-year-old defender has started only one game in Ajax’s last six games.
Despite the unfair criticism of the former Rangers man, Heitinga, in an interview with ESPN, said the Nigerian remained an integral part of the team.
“Calvin is a top professional. He comes from Glasgow and knows a different way of playing,” Heitinga told ESPN per football Scotland.
“In Holland, a lot is demanded of the ball and you play with a lot of space behind you.
“He can defend. We have to help him and make sure he has plenty of opportunities, but we know how long the rest of the season is. We are going to need him.”