As Rangers rang the changes and hammered Hearts at Ibrox, Calvin Bassey helped kickstart an emphatic five-goal rout and stake his claim for the left-back berth.
The Italian-born Nigerian defender has been utilised at centre-back throughout van Bronckhorst’s reign in charge of the Gers such has been the depth of injury problems in the position.
But more naturally a left-back, both in the second half of the humiliation at Celtic Park and throughout the 5-0 win over the Jambos the powerful and technical defender showed why this is his main position.
Calvin Bassey may have enjoyed a purple patch at centre-back but a lack of concentration and effectiveness in defence began to tell as van Bronckhorst’s honeymoon period came to an end.
That said the defender’s development has been clear to see and that stint at centre-half will not only embolden Rangers’ options in the position, but it’ll serve him in good stead no matter where he plays.
Calvin Bassey now has Rangers left-back jersey
Preferred at left-back to Borna Barisic – the Croatian international a shadow of the player of recent seasons and very much looking like that timid full-back we signed in 2018 – Bassey showed the best and worst of his style against the Jambos.
As Bassey started on the left, that reported £2m interest from Premier League Watford now seems a long ways away for confidence-shot Croatian Borna [Scottish Sun].
Laying on a stunning through pass for Ryan Kent to set up Alfredo Morelos’ opener, Bassey was a constant down that left-hand side, comfortable on the ball and eager to get up and down the wing.
But on the defensive side Calvin Bassey could’ve surrendered the lead just after the second half as that lack of concentration saw him almost allow Cammy Devlin to score.
At 22, there’s still huge room to improve on this but it’s clear from Bassey’s enthusiasm and his performance that left-back, balancing defence and attack, is where he wants to play.
With the likes of Leon Balogun and Filip Helander returning at centre-back, he is likely to get more opportunities there too.
But beyond that, given Barisic’s immense downturn in form as of late – the Croatian’s crossing and deadball ability aside – the jersey is also now Bassey’s to lose.
Talking of Premier League sides and interest in Rangers stars, one London club are reportedly mulling over a £10m for a leading Gers star.
