Bassey unfit for Ajax — Former Real Madrid star

Ex-Dutch international Rafael Van der Vaart has slammed former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder for handing Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey a starting role in the team's line-up.

Bassey, who started in 16 league games under Alfred Schreuder came off the bench in the first game under interim manager John Heitinga as the Dutch champions recorded their first win after 5 games.

The Amsterdam-based side won 4-1 away at Excelsior on Sunday, January 29 courtesy of goals from Dusan Tadic, Davy Klaassen, Mohammed Kudus and Devyne Rensch.

Bassey has endured a difficult start to his career at Ajax following a barrage of criticism targeted at him for his performance.

Van der Vaart, 39, who featured for Ajax, Real Madrid and Spurs during his playing day has become the latest Dutch international to criticize the Super Eagles defender.

The former attacking midfielder claims Calvin Bassey is not good to start for a team like Ajax.

“How is someone who played for Glasgow Rangers like Calvin Bassey going to be able to lead the defence at Ajax?

“Where was the Ajax youth system? Was there no one there better than him? Because if there isn’t then you have a major problem. Sometimes it’s better if you don’t have any money because then you don’t do crazy things. Then you wait for the right moment and occasionally take a chance. Instead, they spent €23m on Bassey. Alfred Schreuder made too many big mistakes.” Van der Vaart told Daily Record.

He joined Ajax from Glasgow Rangers in the summer for a club record £19.6m (€23m).

WDN