In Focus: Bassey determined to hit right note at Ajax

Calvin Bassey’s big-money move from Rangers to Ajax has not proved to be a smooth transition.

The Nigerian international was a key member of the side that reached the Europa League final last season. 

His form prompted the Dutch giants to pay £20million for his services but he has struggled to adapt to their technical style and received criticism from fans and pundits alike. 

Ahead of Ajax’s Europa League tie against Union Berlin this evening, we look at whether Bassey has what it takes to succeed in the Netherlands. 

Early red flag

Lisandro Martinez’s move from Ajax to Manchester United last summer created a space in the squad for Bassey to fill. 

In some ways the Italian-born defender was the perfect replacement. Left-footed, like Martinez he was able to play as a central defender or as a left-back. 

Bassey had demonstrated his defensive ability and blistering speed during Rangers’ exciting run in Europe, yet doubts remained regarding his quality on the ball. 

This lack of technical competence put off some potential suitors, so it was therefore a surprise that it should be a club like Ajax who would take a chance on the 6ft 1in ace. 

Bassey got off to the worst possible start with his new team when he was sent off within 17 minutes of coming on as a substitute against PSV in the Johan Cruyff Shield. The Amsterdam club lost the pre-season showpiece 5-3. 

Rep rap

Bassey would serve a two-match suspension for the sending off but when available was put straight into the team by then Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder. 

The 23-year-old has made 27 appearances this season. His hopes of settling in quickly have not been helped by his playing time being split between centre-back and left-back. 

Bassey’s performances have been roundly criticised at a time when the club have been struggling. Ajax legend Johnny Rep was particularly scathing. 

Rep said: "If you pay that money for him, then you are really not feeling well. It is terrible to see him play. In the Eredivisie, there are ten better players than him."

Ajax defenders tend to be comfortable on the ball and Bassey’s difficulties in this area have been plain to see, with opposition coaches happy to see him take possession in the expectation that a mistake will be made. 

Premier League interest

Bassey may well have been an unwise signing for a club like Ajax to have made but he does possess qualities that made him a wanted man across Europe. 

Arriving at Rangers from Leicester in 2020 having not played in the first team, he was considered a left-back before being converted to a central role by Giovanni van Bronckhorst last season. 

Bassey’s pace allowed Rangers to play adventurously in Europe, with his powers of recovery akin to that of Manchester City’s Kyle Walker. 

He was targeted by Premier League sides Aston Villa, Brighton and West Ham, while there was also interest from France, Italy and Portugal. 

Having made just 65 first-team appearances for Rangers, during which time he changed position, Bassey would have been more suited to a club that required less adaptation to his game than Ajax.

Manager praise

Ajax sacked their manager Schreuder in January and have replaced him with John Heitinga, who has not started Bassey in his four games in charge. 

The new coach did bring him on at half-time in the 3-1 win over RKC Waalwijk over the weekend and had words of encouragement for the six-cap centre-half after the game. 

Heitinga said: "Calvin is a top professional. He comes from Glasgow and knows a different way of playing. In the Netherlands, a lot is demanded on 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."

Based on those comments, it seems as if Bassey will get the chance to win over his critics and he seems determined to succeed. 

When quizzed about his future at the club, he said: "I want to better understand Ajax’s style and adapt myself to it. I want the style to suit me more. 

"That's my goal now. I can do anything as long as I want it bad enough."