Ronald De Boer Hails Nigerian Defender Ahead of Ajax Clash With Rangers in Champions League

• Calvin Bassey has been in blistering form for Ajax since he joined the Dutch club this summer
• The Nigerian international, who was shown a red card in his debut game for the club, has featured in three matches since he returned
• He has helped Ajax remain top of the Eredivisie standings and Ronald de Boer has praised the youngster

Nigerian international Calvin Bassey has drawn plaudits from Dutch legend Ronald de Boer who said Ajax cannot do without him.

The Eredivisie outfit reached an agreement to sign Nigerian international in a deal worth €27million just before the close of the summer transfer window.

It was further gathered that the contract entails a €22million flat fee with €5m add-ons and a 10% sell-on clause of any future sale, which is big money for a £230,000 outlay in 2020.

However, he started on a shocking note as he was shown a straight red in his debut game in their 5-2 Dutch Super Cup defeat to PSV.

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But the defender has played three matches since he returned from suspension, helping the club to the top of the league table, and his performance has not gone unnoticed by de Boer, who told Record Sport:

“I’ve been really impressed by Bassey. He was unlucky to be sent off in the Super Cup. He started the game well, and we have already had the people who thought he was just a big lump, charging around kicking people, changing their opinions.

“He gives Ajax strength and speed and on the ball he’s alright. Of course he can still improve on that part of his game but I think he showed in the last few games that he’s undroppable. Together with Jurrien Timber, they make a great couple in defence.

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“Rangers won’t be looking forward to meeting him again. I thought he was one of the best players in the Europa League final, he was unbelievable.

“He’s still very young so it’s a great signing for Ajax. He has some rough edges but Ajax is the perfect place to polish those up.”

Osimhen is still on Manchester United’s radar

Sports Brief earlier reported that English Premier League club Manchester United are still interested in Victor Osimhen after missing out on the Nigerian international this summer.

It was gathered that the Red Devils are still determined to land the Napoli striker and have set their sights on the January transfer window.

There had been talks of a possible swap deal involving the 23-year-old and Cristiano Ronaldo, but such only ended as a rumour.