Calvin Bassey did not have a great evening with Fulham on Monday. The former Ajax defender played a part in both of Tottenham Hotspur's goals and is facing criticism in the English media. However, manager Marco Silva defended the 23-year-old defender.

Calvin Bassey did not make a good impression for Fulham on Monday night. The former Ajax defender played a significant role in both of Tottenham Hotspur's goals and is being criticized in the English media. However, manager Marco Silva came to the defense of the 23-year-old defender.
Bassey started on Monday for the second time since his move to Fulham in the starting lineup during a Premier League match, after being sent off with two yellow cards during his starting debut against Arsenal at the end of August. At that time, The Cottagers managed to secure a point with a late equalizer from João Palhinha (2-2), but this time the Nigerian international led his team to the fourth league defeat of the season (2-0) with his erroneous passes. This performance resulted in low ratings from the English media.
The Daily Mail and Sky Sports both gave Bassey a 4, and The Evening Standard was even more ruthless with a 3 for the former million-euro purchase from Ajax. 'His poor pass and his collision with teammate Tim Ream handed Tottenham the lead on a silver platter. Another lax pass resulted in Spurs' second goal. To top it off, he lost the ball again in the box, from which Spurs nearly profited once more. A shocker,' wrote the London newspaper.
After the match, his coach offered Bassey support. 'We encourage players to build up from the back. That's our style of play. These things can happen,' Marco Silva told the English media. Captain Ream, who played alongside Bassey in the center of the defense, also saw extenuating circumstances. 'It was difficult for Calvin to play as a left-footed player in the right center-back position, which he is not accustomed to,' said the American, who is also left-footed. 'These things happen, and it’s up to us to correct it.'
Updated: 11:08, 24 Oct 2023