Man Utd legend admits Bassey has not yet reached the level of Lisandro Martínez 

Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has acknowledged that Calvin Bassey has not yet reached the level of Lisandro Martínez at Ajax Amsterdam. 

The Dutch champions signed the Nigeria international from Glasgow Rangers for a fee of 23 million euros in the summer as a replacement for the Argentine who switched to the Red Devils. 

Five months into his spell with the Amsterdam giants, Bassey has been heavily criticized by pundits and fans alike for failing to replicate the fantastic form shown by Martínez. 

However, Ajax boss  Alfred Schreuder continues to keep faith with the versatile Nigerian defender, handing the 22-year-old starts in eighteen consecutive matches before the World Cup break. 

Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar noted that Martinez is a top defender and that's the reason Bassey is finding it difficult to follow in the footsteps of the South American center back.

"Lisandro Martínez was a top defender with us last season, on the field and also in the dressing room. You know you can't just catch him," Van der Sar said to Voetbal International via Voetbal Zone.

"Calvin also has qualities, but will still have to improve to get to that level. That is very logical, and Martínez also had that development with us. 

"Just think of two years ago, when Martínez spent a lot of time on the bench It takes time to grow, it is not fair to judge Bassey directly on the level of Martínez."

Bassey is currently with the Ajax Amsterdam squad at a training camp in Marbella, Spain in preparation for the second half of the 2022-2023 season. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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