'He is very strong' - Ajax youngster looking to mirror Super Eagles star’s style

The Super Eagles defender has been heavily criticised this season, but there are some players that admire him

Ajax youth defender Jorrel Hato has revealed that he is learning from Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey because of his great defending attributes.

Bassey impressed in Rangers colours last season, playing a crucial role in the club’s Europa League final berth and they Scottish Cup triumph.

The Nigerian defenders performances raised eyebrows in Europe, but he eventually signed for Dutch giants Ajax in a deal worth €23million.

However, since he joined the club, they have been struggling and Bassey has gotten a lot of sticks for Ajax’s displays, even some ex-Ajax players have stated that he does not deserve to play for Godenzonen.

Nonetheless, some players at Ajax believe very much in Bassey.

Ajax youth defender Hato just got promoted to training with the senior team, and he is part of the team’s training camp is Marbella. The 16-year admires Bassey style of play and is learning from him.

Hato told Ajax’s website: “In the beginning I was also a bit shy. Feeling comfortable in the group of players comes naturally,”

“In training I was also next to him as a left back this week. Then you see how he does things. Defensively he is very strong.”

Bassey was in action for Ajax when they lost to 2-0 to Blackburn in a preseason friendly on Saturday. Hato replaced him in the 70th minute.