Rangers coach singles out one Super Eagles player for praise after win against RB Leipzig

Rangers coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst singled out Calvin Bassey for praise after the versatile defender shone for the Light Blues in a 3-1 win over RB Leipzig on Thursday night - a result that saw the Scottish side qualify for their first European final since 2008.

Bassey was one of three Nigerian players that tasted action against the German Bundesliga side, the others being international teammates Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun, but he was the only one to go the distance.

Despite being shown a yellow card in the 26th minute, no Rangers player made more tackles that Bassey (5) over the course of ninety minutes.

The Leicester City academy product has now become an important player for the Light Blues and is usually one of the first names on the team sheet.

Appointed Steven Gerrard's successor on November 18, 2021, Van Bronckhorst has revealed exactly when he decided to hand Bassey a role in the starting lineup.

Commenting on the performance of his number 3, the Dutch coach said at the post-match press conference : "Calvin, you know I can remember, the first game I saw was the loss against Hibs in the semifinal (League Cup) and there was one moment where you could see Calvin pushing forward, marking forward and had a great pressure moment.

"I remember the next day because he was very disappointed of course with the loss and that moment I saw what he can bring to this team.

"His development has been amazing - playing left-back, playing left central defender - and I am so happy for him."

Bassey, Rangers Young Player of the Year for 2021-2022, was playing in the Premier League 2 in England two years ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com

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