Bench role helped me improve – Bassey News

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Bench role helped me improve – Bassey

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 7, 2023

After putting up a Man-of-The-Match display for Ajax in their 1-0 victory over Nijmegen on Sunday, Nigeria international Calvin Bassey admitted that sitting on the bench had helped him improve his game and learn the Dutch’s style of play.

Bassey became the third most expensive signing by Ajax after his €23m transfer from Scottish club Glasgow Rangers last summer.

Under former manager Alfred Schreuder, the Nigerian was a key part of the team as they struggled to win matches.

Bassey has, however, not seen a lot of game time since new coach John Heitinga took over at the club in January, as he has often sat on the bench.

However, the 23-year-old was handed his first start in the league under the new manager and he delivered a top performance as Ajax came out victorious, with Bassey eventually named the best player of the tie.

Speaking after the game, Bassey said while he had not been satisfied with his lack of game time, he used the period to learn from his teammates and improve on his game.

“Sometimes you have to sit back down and learn again,” Bassey said per Scottish Daily Express.

“I had to start doing extra work on the training pitch. I decided to start again. While I was on the subs’ bench, I studied the way the defenders played. I spent a lot of time watching how Jurrien Timber and Edson Alvarez positioned themselves when they were in my position in defence.

“Don’t get me wrong, I was frustrated when I wasn’t playing. But I knew it was not all about me, it was about the team and winning games.

“It actually helped to be on the bench for a while. For me, it is a process and a development curve. I know I can improve a lot here.

“The manager told me to be ready when I am needed next and I was. Ajax have taught me a lot about the game.

“That is also the reason why I chose this club. It’s one of the best places to develop as a player.”

Ajax have won their last six Eredivisie games and are second on the league table, just three points behind leaders Feyenoord.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 7, 2023