'He's such a powerful young boy' - Ex-Rangers star hails 'very good' defender Bassey

Former Glasgow Rangers star Alan Hutton has been full of praise for Calvin Bassey and is tipping the Italian-born Nigerian left-back to break into the starting lineup of the Scottish Premiership champions.

The 21-year-old Bassey is competing with the more experienced Croatia national teamer Borna Barisic for a spot in Rangers starting lineup.

While the Anglo-Italian-Nigerian defender went the full ninety against Livingston on the opening day of the season, he was on the bench for the Champions League meeting at Malmo, with manager Steven Gerrard opting for Barisic.

Of the fifteen appearances Bassey made for Rangers in all competitions in 2020-2021, only six were starts.

Hutton highlighted Bassey's main attributes but pointed out that he needs to improve on his crossing ability.

"He’s such a powerful young boy. He’s obviously got a lot to learn but you can see he’s making big strides under Steven Gerrard," Hutton said to Football Insider.

"I think he can learn from Borna Barisic. I think defensively, Calvin Bassey is very good, he’s very strong. He gets into the right areas and sometimes the cross maybe let him down.

"He did pick out a few but that is maybe the side of the game that he needs to brush up on. He’s very young, he’s still learning and that will come.

"He’s got good full-backs round about them to help him with that process so yeah, he’s another top performer.

"Again, a headache for Steven Gerrard. Who does he pick? Does he go back to Borna Barisic or does he stick by Bassey? It’s great to have those options"

Barišić was involved in 19 goals (5 goals, 14 assists) in 50 games  last season, while his rival Bassey provided one assist.

Igho Kingsley