Fulham manager Marco Silva has described Nigerian international Calvin Bassey as the club’s most agile and quickest centre-back, underscoring his unique defensive attributes ahead of their Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
Bassey was left out of the starting lineup against Arsenal last weekend after returning from international duty with the Super Eagles, though he featured as a late substitute.
The decision surprised many fans given his outstanding performances for the London side last season.
The former Leicester City academy graduate enjoyed a stellar campaign, edging compatriot Alex Iwobi to Fulham’s Player of the Season award after finishing second the previous year.
Silva, however, insists the 24-year-old remains a vital part of his plans.
“Calvin had an amazing season last season; his season was at a top, top level. He’s a very good central defender — very strong and quick,” Silva told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“He gives us, in some moments, different things than the others because he’s the most agile one, he’s the quickest one and very strong in the individual duels too.”
Silva clarified that Bassey’s benching against Arsenal was not performance-related but due to fatigue from international duty.
The defender featured in consecutive World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin before rejoining the team.
“I knew that Cuenca is more than capable of doing the job, and that role is for him. Calvin was ten days out with the national team,” Silva explained.
“Normally, when they play with Nigeria, it is very difficult for them. They just arrived 48 hours before the game, it’s always difficult.”
The Fulham boss also confirmed that Joachim Andersen will miss the trip to St. James’ Park, leaving him to decide between Bassey, Issa Diop, and Jorge Cuenca for the starting partnership.
Aside from the Arsenal fixture, Bassey has played every minute of Fulham’s Premier League campaign this season, continuing to establish himself as a key figure in Silva’s defensive setup.
