'Don't compare Calvin Bassey and Lisandro Martinez' - Ex-Chelsea defender warns fans

Former Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz has warned off any comparisons between former Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez and his successor Calvin Bassey.

Nigeria international Bassey was signed 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 sprung up between both stars especially after Bassey has endured a tough run of matches lately with Ajax, recording only one win in their last six matches.

Criticism has been hauled Bassey's way with many believing his passing, movement and positional play is not at the level required in a ball-playing Ajax side. 

However, Boulahrouz has jumped on the side of the Nigeria international, stating that it is unfair to compare Bassey and Martinez because Martinez left as the finished product while Bassey is just starting his career.

Boulahrouz said on Ziggo Sport as reported by Ajax Showtime: "It's not really fair. Then we compare Bassey, who has just arrived, with a Martínez who is leaving at his peak."

The former Chelsea defender also suggested that the attacking forays of Ajax captain Daley Blind has been limited due to the departure of Martinez.

Boulahrouz pointed out that when Martinez played for Ajax, Blind had the assurance to attack freely safe in the knowledge that the now Manchester United No 6 was at the Ajax backline to cover for him.

"He's in that spot, but Martínez was a toxic defender and I think that was the nice thing about Daley Blind. He could attack relaxed and everything that happened in his back, he had Martínez for that," Boulahrouz explained.

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