The latest in line of criticism comes from former Chelsea and Netherlands star Khalid Boulahrouz after Ajax’s clash with Napoli in the UEFA Champions League.
Ajax have lost back-to-back games to Victor Osimhen’s Napoli with Wednesday’s 4-2 loss in the second leg following a 6-1 loss the week before.
I expect more from a defender – Boulahrouz on Calvin Bassey
Bassey played the full 90 minutes in both games as Ajax conceded 10 goals against a rampaging Napoli led by Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone in attack.
Speaking about the 6-1 loss in the first leg, Boulahrouz pointed out that Bassey was guilty of looking at the ball and claimed that he expected more from the Super Eagles defender.
The former Chelsea defender said ziggo sport as reported by Ajax feature time: “Bassey was mostly watching football last week, just missing the popcorn. You expect a little more from a defender there.”
I thought Bassey was a fierce defender – Boulahrouz
Boulahrouz, nicknamed ‘The Cannibal’, admitted he thought Bassey was a ‘fierce’ defender who knows how to shut down players, but has seen the former Rangers star as ‘heavy on his feet’.
However, the 40-year-old former international admitted that despite all the criticism, Bassey needs time to work and improve, especially after such heavy defeats against Napoli.
“I had him in mind as a fierce opponent, a fierce defender, who is close to the man. He looks very heavy on the feet,” Boulahrouz said.
“The twists and turns, he almost falls backwards. That’s something I don’t like about him. On the other hand, it’s not like he wants to end it all here.”
“I also want to be critical, but you have to give him time. Only if you have to accept a defeat like that, you hardly have time, because Ajax wants to hibernate.”
Ajax will try to return to winning ways when they host 12th-placed Excelsior in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday 16 October.
