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By: Peter Akinbo.
Fulham coach Marco Silva has praised Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey for his debut performance in their loss against Chelsea in a pre-season encounter, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Bassey struggled to fit in at Ajax Amsterdam last season following his transfer from Glasgow Rangers.
Bassey joined Premier League side Fulham last week in a transfer worth €22.5m, and he was given a baptism of fire immediately against Chelsea in a pre-season fixture in America.
The defender 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 due to the anticipated departure of Tosin Adarabioyo.