Glasgow Rangers' Bassey Reveals He Grew Up Idolising Real Madrid Icon Marcelo; Scores On Debut

Italian-born Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey got on the scoresheet on his debut for Glasgow Rangers in a 2-1 win against Hamilton Academical in a pre-season friendly at the Training Center on Friday.

The brand new acquisition was among three summer signings given a run-out by manager Steven Gerrard, the others being Ianis Hagi and Jon McLaughlin.

 

Ronan Hughes put the Accies ahead before Bassey restored parity with a powerful header after an excellent delivery from Ryan Kent at minute 43.

Signed from Leicester City, Bassey has admitted that he grew up idolising Real Madrid icon Marcelo and gave his thoughts on Bayern Munich youngster Alphonso Davies.

"I watched Marcelo at Real when I was growing up but football has changed a lot in recent years," Bassey told the Scottish Sun.

"Alphonso Davies is someone who was a winger but now plays left-back and he has put in some stunning performances."

Bassey went on to reveal that he started his career as a striker and also played as a left winger, before he was converted to a left-back by the Leicester City youth team coaches.

"I always played striker when I was younger and then moved to left wing.

"I started going further back because at Leicester there was a need for a left-back and sometimes you need to adapt to your environment.

"I’ve had to learn throughout my career defence-wise whether it’s heading or whatever.

"The modern full-back is different to what it was ten or 15 years ago — you need quality going forward, but at the same time you are a defender first and have to stop those crosses and get tight to your man and win headers," Bassey added.

Aged 20, Bassey wore the number 3 jersey in the friendly against Hamilton Academical.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : twitter.com/CalvinBassey