Giovanni van Bronckhorst gushes over Calvin Bassey's pressure ability for Rangers

Rangers' manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has hailed Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey for his rapid development and versatility in different roles for the club. 

Bassey has stamped his place as one of Rangers' most important players, filling in at both left-back and centre-back this season whenever needed.

Van Bronckhorst believes that Bassey's ability to press from the front is one of the most impressive qualities the 22-year-old possesses.

As reported by Rangers Review, Van Bronckhorst recounted the first time he watched Bassey play, stating that he noticed the Super Eagles defender for his forward movement and pressing.

Calvin Bassey wins Rangers' Young Player of the Year Award

Alan Hutton advises Calvin Bassey to focus on left-back

Tom English hails Calvin Bassey for knocking out Celtic with 114th-minute sprint

The Rangers manager told Rangers Review: “Calvin, I can remember the first game I saw was the loss against Hibs (Hibernian) in the semi final.

"And there was one moment where you could see Calvin like pushing forward and marking forward and had a great pressure moment."

The Dutch manager admitted that it was that day he realised Bassey had the capability to play at centre-back also after predominantly playing at left-back under former manager Steven Gerrard. 

Van Bronckhorst stated that he was happy for the Nigerian international's development within the team throughout this season.

”I remember the next day because he was very disappointed of course with the loss and I told him that moment, I saw what he could bring to this team.

"His development has been amazing, playing left back and left central defender I’m so happy for him."

Van Bronckhorst also extended praise to the rest of the Rangers team after they secured a rousing 3-1 second-leg victory over RB Leipzig at the Ibrox Stadium to reach the Europa League final.

Van Bronckhorst said: “All players in my team come to the training ground, they work hard, they try to improve themselves every minute of the day and to achieve the final together with them and my staff and everyone involved in the club is amazing.”

Rangers will face German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the final at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, Spain on Wednesday, May 18.