Former Rangers defender Maurice Ross has opened up on why he thinks Calvin Bassey should have a “big career” as he compared the Nigerian international to ex-Ibrox captain Lorenzo Amoruso.
Bassey has usurped Borna Barisic to become Rangers’ first-choice left-back and Ross admits his preference for the former Leicester City kid over his more experienced rival.
Having won plaudits for his physical attributes, Ross thinks the Nigerian’s bulky frame helps him in one-on-one situations with opponents.
“I like a full-back to be athletic and hardy as well,” Ross said [Herald]. “Calvin Bassey is both of them. Borna Barisic is a bit more one-paced. But even if you have two identical players, sometimes a manager just prefers one to the other. It is never cut and dried.
“But I like Calvin Bassey at left-back. He is a talent and can probably go on and enjoy a big career. He has got a right good chance. He is a physical specimen, he is quick, he is strong.
“If he gets beaten one-v-one he gets back in because he is powerful. If he is ever in a foot race his opponent has to go around him because of his stature, he can’t just run past him. He has such a long reach.
“If you think about it, the fastest way between two points is a straight line. If a player has to go around you because of your frame you have a better chance of winning that ball.
“It was the same with big Amo. In a race for the ball, his opponent would have to go around him. He would nudge into them because he was so strong and by that time he had won the ball back. It is similar with Bassey.”
Bassey seems almost certain to start this afternoon’s Old Firm clash and the Ibrox defender will be a big part of any success the Light Blues have today.
While Rangers aren’t quite as reliant on full-backs bombing forward as they were under Steven Gerrard, Bassey and James Tavernier are still vital parts of the Gers’ attacking play.
If he can perform as he has recently in some huge game for the Gers, the Light Blues should be in a good place.
Here’s all the information you need to know ahead of this afternoon’s Rangers v Celtic clash
