Bassey not good for Ajax’s first XI -Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder has joined the list of critics calling for Ajax Amsterdam to relegate Calvin Bassey.

The former Real Madrid midfielder believes the Super Eagles star does not deserve the starting lineup space at Ajax.

Bassey has been the subject of countless Dutch critics since the youngster joined Ajax Amsterdam from Glasgow Rangers for a club-record 23 million euros in the summer.

Comfortable playing at centre-back, full-back, and wingback, Bassey has been a versatile, tactical tool in the hands of manager Alfred Schreuder.

The Nigerian defender has two assists in six UEFA Champions appearances and another two assists in 12 Eredivisie matches. Bassey started in all 18 games played across the two competitions.

But ex-Netherlands international Sneijder is not convinced by Bassey’s displays and has called on the Ajax boss to consider taking the Nigerian out of the starting lineup.

“You have Bassey who can’t build up, Timber who isn’t doing well, and then you don’t have a controlling midfielder who wants to build up,” Sneijder said, as per Soccernews. “Then it becomes quite difficult in the build-up and you don’t get to play football?

“You must have someone who can play the ball between the lines at a Berghuis. I might put him on the defensive.

“Take Bassey out and put Álvarez back a line. Defending is all Álvarez can do. He can be very important for Ajax one line back.”

Bassey went off injured during halftime of Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Emmen at the weekend.

The former European champions had led 3-1 by the time Bassey was replaced. But the Dutch champions put on a terrible defensive display, allowing the hosts to draw three-all.