Blind posits Ajax will make impact in Champions League with Bassey
Blind has been greatly impressed by the Nigerian defender
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey's immediate impact at Ajax has been praised by teammate and former Manchester United defender Daley Blind ahead of facing Rangers on Wednesday.
The Ibrox club start their Champions League group Sstage campaign away at the Eredivisie champions on Wednesday night and will come up against the Nigerian international they sold for a fee in excess of £20 million during this summer's transfer window.
Blind has been impressed by the defender and says that despite a strong start to their domestic campaign, they'll need to be on their guard against Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Rangers.
He said: “ Calvin’s a funny guy, and he’s always happy. He brings positive energy and he is also very eager to learn and he asks a lot of questions. So we talk a lot about it and how we can support each other on and off the pitch. He’s a great talent and I’m happy he’s here.
“We are doing well in the league, of course, and that brings extra confidence. We are also keeping clean sheets for the last couple of games and scoring goals.
"But that doesn’t really say anything about the game tomorrow. We need to show it all again. Champions League is a different level and we will need to be at our best to get a win.
From last season, head coach Erik ten Hag is gone, as are Lisandro Martinez and Antony who have made the same journey to Old Trafford. Also out the door is Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, Nicolas Tagliafico and a few others.
Former Rangers hero Bassey is part of a new crop still finding their way, but positive signs has been displayed domestically and now is the time for Euro action for the Dutch champions.
There will be no surprises for Rangers in terms of the threat that Ajax will provide. The hosts will be dangerous, playing possession football with incision, as this insight shows:
“In the league, Ajax have completed the most 10-pass sequences (83), have the highest average possession (69%), with an xG of 4.25. Defensively, they have faced the most shots (35), but only conceded three goals.”
As shown in Eindhoven, this Rangers team can mix it at a higher level in Europe, when a new dimension in terms of performance can be found but to have any chance of getting a result, there will need to be a massive turnaround all over the pitch in response to the derby farce on Saturday.
A proper performance is the least expected of them in the Johan Cruyff Arena.
