Calvin Bassey Needs More Work – Sneijder

Despite winning the Man-of the- match award in Ajax’s win over NEC Nijmegen last weekend, Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder insists his former side overpaid for Calvin Bassey.

Sneijder, a strong critic of the young Nigerian argued that Ajax paid so much for a player who still has a lot to learn.

Bassey became the most expensive defender in the Club’s history following his €23 million move from Glasgow Rangers last summer.

He joined the club as direct replacement for Lisandro Martinez who joined Manchester United, and has had trouble settling perfectly into the role.

“I still think €23m is too much,” Sneijder told Veronica Offside, as per VI.

“This concerns what is demanded of a defender. He plays at Ajax, so he will have to be able to play football.

“He might be fantastic in another league. But he has a hard time when he keeps getting released and he has to play from the back.”

To get better, the UEFA Champions League winner with Inter says, Bassey has to find balance between his weakness and strength.

“He has to find a middle ground in handing in the balls a little faster. Knowing your own weaknesses is also a quality. When you realize that you have to hand in the ball quickly, otherwise things can go wrong,” Sneijder said.

The 23-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch champions, scoring one goal and assisting another three.