Fulham's Nigeria star Bassey joins Arsenal and Liverpool defenders in BBC Team of the Week 

Calvin Bassey  has been recognized for his outstanding performance during Fulham's 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford this past weekend, with BBC football pundit Garth Crooks naming the versatile defender in his Team of the Week.

After 1,456 minutes without finding the net for the Cottagers, the Super Eagles' 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star opened his account in the 65th minute to inspire the Londoners to their first win at Old Trafford since 2003.

Bassey smacked the ball home on his second attempt after a loose ball fell to him from a corner kick. 

It was the 24-year-old's first start for Fulham since his return to London after starring for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa have contributed two players each to the Team of the Week, while Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham United have one representative each. 

In a 3-4-3 formation, Bassey starts as the right-sided central defender with Arsenal star Gabriel deployed as the left-sided central defender and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence.

And completing the lineup are: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Stones (Man City), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Leon Bailey (Aston Villa), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) and Phil Foden (Man City).

Backing his decision to name Bassey in the Team of the Week, Garth Crooks wrote: "This was an impressive team performance by the Cottagers with Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo back in the starting line-up and could have played this match in stocking feet.

"Nigeria international Bassey's goal was a nice finish to an excellent personal performance."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: fulhamfc.com

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