Khalid Boulahrouz warns against comparing Calvin Bassey and Lisandro Martínez

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Calvin Bassey was signed as a direct replacement for Lisandro Martinez, who joined Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Nigerian international Bassey was brought in as a direct replacement for Martinez, who joined former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

Naturally, comparisons have arisen between the two stars, especially after Bassey has endured a tough run of games lately with Ajax, registering just one win in his last six games.

Criticism has been leveled at Bassey with many believing his passing, movement and positional play are not up to the standard required in a ball-playing Ajax team.

However, Boulahrouz has sided with the Nigerian international, stating that it is unfair to compare Bassey and Martinez because Martinez left as the finished product while Bassey is just beginning his career.

Boulahrouz said in ziggo sport as reported by Ajax feature time: “It’s not very fair. So we compare Bassey, who has just arrived, with a Martinez who leaves at his best moment.”

The former Chelsea defender also suggested that Ajax captain Daley Blind’s attacking forays have been limited due to Martinez’s departure.

Boulahrouz noted that when Martinez was playing for Ajax, Blind was safe in attacking freely knowing that Manchester United’s now number 6 was in Ajax’s back line to cover him.

“He’s in that position, but Martinez was a toxic defender and I think that was the good thing about Daley Blind. He could attack relaxed and whatever happened to his back, he had Martinez for that,” Boulahrouz explained.

Manchester United signed the 24-year-old Martinez for €57.4m on a five-year deal, while Ajax spent €23m to sign Bassey from Rangers to replace the Argentina international.

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