'Bench him' – Ex-Real Madrid ace hits hard at fumbling Super Eagles star

The Nigerian defender is arguably the most criticised defender in the Dutch top-flight division less than six months after his arrival.

Wesley Sneijder is not a fan of Calvin Bassey, with the former Real Madrid midfielder calling for the Super Eagles star to be benched 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.