Gerrard namechecks Nigerian LB among 3 players who impressed Rangers fans in win vs Alashkert

Published: August 20, 2021

Calvin Bassey was one of the players singled out for praise by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard following his side's hard-fought 1-0 win over Alashkert in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie on Thursday night.

One of the talking points before the clash at Ibrox Stadium was who would start at left-back between the young Nigerian and the experienced Croatia national teamer Borna Barisic.

After four appearances off the bench as a substitute, Gerrard handed Bassey his starting debut in a European game and the 21-year-old repaid the faith shown in him by the ex-Liverpool captain with an outstanding performance against the Armenian champions.

The Leicester City academy product showed his battling qualities, fighting for every ball; he knew when to join the attack and when to retreat.

Speaking to Rangers TV post-match, Gerrard said : "I thought some of the lads' efforts tonight were superhuman.

"I think our supporters will know who I’m talking about – Steven Davis, Calvin Bassey, Scott Wright when he came on.

"Connor Goldson did everything we asked. I thought a lot of individuals, especially in the second-half, were superhuman."

Bassey, who joined Rangers from Leicester City in the summer of 2020, registered fifteen appearances in all competitions last season, including six starts which came in domestic matches.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

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