“I Would Like to Play Alongside Him”, Ajax Legend Hails Bassey

In spite of the criticisms that he has faced since his move to the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Calvin Bassey seem to have at least one Ajax icon in his corner.

Former Ajax captain, Frank de Boer had a different take on Bassey, and in a recent interview declared he would have enjoyed playing alongside the 23 year-old.

This has come despite the torrid season the former Rangers defender has endured, with scrutiny over his quality constantly in the news, especially from the former players including Rafael Van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder.

Bassey, a versatile defender switched from Rangers to Ajax last summer under former manager, Alfred Schreuder, who himself was recently sacked and replaced with a former Ajax star, John Heitinga.

In Ajax’s two games since the appointment of Heitinga, Bassey started from the bench – in the 4-1 win over Excelsior – and was an unused substitute on Sunday against Cambuur – Ajax won 5-0.

The situation signals a change in the Youngster’s role in the Champion’s first team.

“I think he is a very good left center 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.”