'Excellent defending' – Sky Sports pundit hails Fulham CB Bassey for game-saving tackle

Sky Sports pundit Sam Blitz has hailed the performance of Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey in Brighton's 1-1 draw against Fulham at the Amex Stadium on the opening day of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign.

Bassey, who started the game for Fulham alongside national teammate Alex Iwobi, displayed an impressive performance for the Cottagers despite receiving a yellow card in the first half.

Minutes after his booking, the Nigerian International made a tackle that denied the host a chance to open the scoring.

In the 35th minute, the Super Eagles defender launched a tackle on Yankuba Minteh, who was the target following a through ball from Yasin Ayari.

Analyzing the incident, the pundit applauded the perfectly timed tackle and commended Bassey's determination to challenge the Gambian winger, even after having just been booked by the referee.

“That's excellent defending from Bassey. He was booked just a few moments ago, but did just enough to put Minteh off when he looked all set to score," Blitz said on Sky Sports. 

“Ayari maybe should have shot from there. Fabian Hurzeler said yesterday that goals are missing from the Brighton midfielder's game.”

The 25-year-old defender displayed a solid performance, made two tackles, won two aerial duels, and made one clearance to ensure Fulham neutralized some of Brighton's threat for the entire duration of the game.

As the season unfolds, Fulham manager Marco Silva will be counting on the Nigerian international to maintain his impressive form and help the Cottagers achieve their objectives.

Adeyemi Adewale

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