'He really isn't as bad as people talk about'- Ex-Ajax winger still believes in Bassey 

Former Ajax Amsterdam winger Kenneth Perez has refused to give up on Calvin Bassey, saying that the central defender is not as bad as fans and pundits think.

The Leicester City academy product became the most expensive Nigerian defender in history with his move to Ajax Amsterdam last summer for a guaranteed fee  of 23 million euros and the total transfer fees could rise to 26.5 million euros if performance-related variables are included.

Bassey lost his spot in Ajax's starting lineup following the appointment of Johnny Heitinga as coach, and has started just one game from a possible eight in the Eredivisie since his return from international duty with the Super Eagles. 

Although he offers pace and physicality, the former Rangers man has been criticized for his lack of ball-playing skills and not being a traditional Ajax player. 

"You can really let players come into their strength or weakness," Perez told Voetbalpraat, via Ajax Showtime.

"They paid way too much for Bassey, but he really isn't as bad as people talk about. 

"Davinson Sánchez really wasn't a hero on the ball either, but if you give him the order to take out a man… Bassey is now playing from his weakness, but he can really be of value in his strength."

In thirty nine matches across all competitions in the recently concluded season, Bassey managed one goal while producing five assists. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: ajax.nl

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