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SUPER EAGLES

Calvin Bassey grabs another assist as Rangers keep pressure on Celtic in title run-in

Calvin Bassey has been a stalwart in central defence in recent weeks (IMAGO / Colorsport)
Calvin Bassey has been a stalwart in central defence in recent weeks (IMAGO / Colorsport)
Calvin Bassey made the difference on both ends of the pitch as the 22-year-old put in an established performance against Ross County
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Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey capped another brilliant performance for Rangers with an assist as the Gers saw off Ross County on Wednesday night.

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The Giovanni van Bronckhorst-led side made sure to keep Celtic in check in the Scottish Premiership Championship Round with a convincing 4-1 victory over Ross County at the Ibrox Stadium.

Bassey continued his excellent run at centre-back for Rangers this season by bagging his fifth (5th) assist of the season in all competitions.

Rangers see off Ross County, turn the heat on Celtic

Van Bronckhorst named Bassey and fellow Super Eagles star Joe Aribo in his Starting XI to face the last team on the Championship Round log.

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The Gers needed a victory to keep in touch with runaway leaders, Celtic, who were seven points ahead of Rangers before this match started. 

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Rangers quickly stamped their authority on the match with two first-half goals from Scott Wright (13') and James Tavernier (P, 29') as the incumbent champions made their intentions known from the start.

Tavernier stepped up to double his side's lead
James Tavernier is Rangers' designed penalty taker

Ross County pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Jordan White but Rangers responded with another two goals from Fashion Sakala (82') and Amad Diallo (90').

Bassey shine, Aribo hooked in Ross County visit

Joe Aribo started in his newly-assigned striker role again with Ryan Kent and Scott Wright flanking the Nigerian international in attack.

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Aribo had a quiet game for the Gers, functioning more as a link than the target man for Rangers. The 25-year-old had 45 touches of the ball in the first half, laid on three (3) Key Passes and created one (1) big chance while posting 100% accuracy from his passes. 

Despite this, the Super Eagles midfielder could only register two shots which were blocked off, no shots on or off target and no accurate crosses before he was withdrawn for Amad Diallo at halftime.

Joe Aribo (IMAGO/Revierfoto) (2)
Joe Aribo has reportedly played more matches than any football player in the world this season (IMAGO/Revierfoto)

Bassey, on the other hand, played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday night, partnering Connor Goldson at centre-back as is in recent times. 

The 22-year-old put in another established performance for Rangers, excelling in all defensive metrics as the Gers utterly dominated their visitors.

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Calvin Bassey drowns Ross County

Bassey won a whopping ten (10) of the 11 duels he attempted, made two (2) tackles, one (1) intercession, and made one (1) clearance against Ross County. 

On the attacking front, Bassey showed his advanced attacking style by completing two (2) key passes, completing four (4) out of eight (8) long balls, and creating one (1) big chance.

Calvin Bassey (IMAGO/Uwe Craft)
Calvin Bassey has played both fullback and editor roles for Rangers this season (IMAGO/Uwe Craft)

Bassey capped off an incredible night's work with an assist for Rangers' last goal of the match, providing the final pass before on-loan Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo slotted in the fourth goal of the night. 

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Rangers have now cut down the margin from them to Celtic at the top of the table to four (4) points after 37 rounds of matches.

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