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By Ebenezer Bajela
Despite heavy criticisms of Nigeria international Calvin Bassey, Ajax legend, Frank de Boer, shared a different opinion of the player, saying he would love to have him next to him on the pitch.
It has been a difficult season for Bassey, who joined Ajax for a club record £19.6m (€23m) from Glasgow Rangers last summer.
The 23-year-old enjoyed playing time under former manager Alfred Schreuder, starting in 16 league appearances and scoring one goal.
He started from the bench under interim manager John Heitinga as the struggling Dutch champions picked their first win in their last five games, days after Schreuder’s exit, thrashing Excelsior 4-1 at the Van Donge and De Roo Stadion in their Dutch Eredivisie Division fixture last Sunday.
Against Cambuur in their match-day 20, the defender was an unused substitute as the visitors claimed a resounding 5-0 win away from home.
Bassey has come under scrutiny for his offensive weaknesses and his lack of passing ability but De Boer disagrees as he believes the Nigerian has what it takes to be a great player but needs the help of his Ajax teammates to get better.
“I think he is a very good left centre back. I’d be thrilled to have a Bassey next to me because he’s so fast,” De Boer told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“They just have to help him with the ball. Johan Cruijff once jokingly said that the people around you are responsible for how well you play.
“That’s how Ajax should also help such a boy, because Bassey has a lot of weapons.”
So far this season, Bassey has made 25 appearances across all competitions and has scored one goal and provided four assists.