'He's not helped by his fellow players' - Ex-Barcelona star defends Ajax defender Bassey

Former Barcelona star and UEFA Champions League winner with Ajax Amsterdam in 1995, Winston Bogarde has leapt to the defence of Calvin Bassey by insisting that the Nigeria international has not been helped by his teammates. 

Bassey broke the Nigerian transfer record for a defender when he joined Ajax from Glasgow Rangers last summer in exchange for a guaranteed 23 million euros and if variables are included the fee could rise to 26.5 million euros. 

Bassey has taken time to adapt to the demands of the Eredivisie following his move from the Scottish Premiership, so much so that was scapegoated for Ajax's poor run of results which led to the dismissal of Alfred Schreuder.

The 23-year-old has lost his starting place since Johnny Heitinga took over the managerial reigns at Ajax, making only five starts from a possible fifteen in domestic competitions. 

Bogarde has insisted that Bassey is not a bad player and should not be written off just yet.

"It's not that the boy can't play football, he has qualities. You have to work with a boy like that. It is difficult for a new player in the first six months to a year," Bogarde noted on Ziggo Sport, via footballtransfers.com.

"I think that he is not helped in the field by his fellow players. If you know that he is less in the build-up, you have to make it as simple as possible for him by giving him multiple play options."

With four matches to the end of the season, Ajax are in danger missing out on Champions League football next season as they are three points adrift of second-place PSV Eindhoven. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : ajax.nl

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com