Calvin Bassey flips Ajax script as Rangers namechecked by Fulham boss in bold prediction

The defender was written off in Amsterdam but has established himself as one of the top defender in the Premier League

Fulham boss Marco Silva insists Calvin Bassey has everything in his locker to play at the highest level.

The former Rangers titan has been one of the standout defenders in the Premier League this season, helping the Cottagers climb into the top half of the table.

Rangers raked in a club record £20million when they flogged the Nigerian to Ajax in 2022 – just a couple of years after unearthing him from Leicester City's reserves.

But the 25-year-old endured a turbulent spell in Amsterdam before being offered an escape route to Craven Cottage a season later.

The versatile stopper - who can play at left or centre-back - has since become one of the first names on Silva's team sheet, earning rave reviews down south.

One of his biggest cheerleaders is Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who singled out Bassey's imperious display in last week's 3-2 win over the English champions-elect.

And speaking before Fulham's 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Monday night, Carragher seized on the opportunity to pick Silva's brains on Bassey's qualities.

He asked: "Marco, last week Calvin Bassey was fantastic. He plays in my position, I was so impressed with him. I saw you speaking to him after the game on the pitch as you came off.

"Can you give us a bit of an insight into him? Is it about trying to give him that belief that he can be a top player in the Premier League?"

Silva made it clear Bassey has all the attributes to be an elite defender, but admits he still has plenty of room for improvement.

The Portuguese said: "I know him very well. As I've said many times already since he joined ourselves after a really difficult season at Ajax after the Rangers spell, we really believe in him.

"I really believe that he's capable of playing to a very high level, definitely. He ticks all the boxes that a modern footballer and defender has to be.

"He has to improve to aerial duels, all the other things he has really. He's quick, strong... the duels - he has to be more concentrated and focused in all the moments of the game to make the other step.

"More or less, that was the conversation, to tell him that if he's more focused in all the moments in the game, he's able to play the way he played."

Despite falling to defeat against the Cherries on Monday, Bassey once again lit up social media with his impressive performance.

One user said: "Calvin Bassey is quality. Feel like everytime I watch him he’s solid. Deceptively decent on the ball too."

Another commented: "Calvin Bassey is a defender that should be talked about more, what a player. Should be making a big move in the summer."

While a third added: "Calvin Bassey is better than all Manchester United defenders."