Frank de Boer reveals Calvin Bassey's weakness ahead of UCL Rangers reunion

Former Netherlands manager Frank de Boer has made known his thoughts concerning Ajax's new signing, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey.

The 52-year-old Dutch tactician noted that Bassey is a good purchase for the Dutch champions but highlighted an important area where the Nigerian international has to improve.

The Super Eagles star has quickly established himself as a starter at Ajax, playing in the centre of defence alongside Jurrien Timber in Ajax's last three league matches.

De Boer noted that Bassey's young age will serve Ajax well as the 22-year-old defender can still improve a lot while learning under former Manchester United star Daley Blind.

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As reported by Daily Record, the one-time Ajax player stated that one of the things Bassey needs to learn is how to play within the 'Ajax philosophy'.

Frank De Boer said of Calvin Bassey: "He’s still very young so it’s a great signing for Ajax. He has some rough edges but Ajax is the perfect place to polish those up.

"He’ll come under the wing of Daley Blind and be taught the Ajax philosophy, which is to play the ball along the ground and make combinations."

De Boer also described Bassey as having 'hard feet', in reference to the former Rangers' defender's limited ability with passing out the ball and playing out.

However, the former Dutch international believes that, just like other players who had the same limitations when they signed for Ajax, Bassey will learn to play with the ball and develop 'soft feet' while with the Dutch giants.

"I’ve seen a lot of defenders come to this club with what we call hard-feet. But by the time they leave they have soft feet. Calvin is still young and he’s capable of learning that," De Boer explained.

Calvin Bassey has been in tremendous form for Ajax in the league, boasting of a 100% record from three consecutive clean sheets in the three league matches he has featured in.

The Super Eagles star will face familiar faces as foes on Wednesday, September 7 when Ajax welcome Bassey's former club Rangers to the Johan Cruyff Arena for their first UEFA Champions League fixture of the 2022/23 season.