Bassey came under fire a lot of times last season because of his inability to use the ball well, but he was always a tough customer for attackers
Last season’s Eredivisie third-highest goalscorer Sydney Hooijdonk has revealed that Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was the toughest defender he faced last season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Following a stellar season at Rangers that saw him help the win the Scottish Cup and reach the Europa Cup final, Bassey joined Ajax in a deal worth €23million.
However, his arrival at the club coincided with a period when they had just lost coach Erik Ten Hag Manchester United, and some of the best players.
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez had made the center-back position his own, and Bassey had to adjust immediately and replicate his performances.
Unfortunately, he could not help the team, as they struggled on both ends of the pitch. Bassey was usually the scapegoat in the defense, as former Ajax players always blamed him for the team’s losses.
However, according to Heerenveen striker Van Hooijdunk, Bassey is one of the toughest defenders in the Eredivisie.
“Bassey is often ridiculed in the Netherlands, but I think Bassey is really tough as a defender,” Van Hooijdonk told Voetbal International per Ajax Showtime.
“I know that I am certainly not the only Eredivisie striker who thinks so. Bassey is fast, strong and he looks good.”
Both players faced twice in the Eredivisie last season, and Van Hooijdonk scored once. However, Ajax won the two games.