Heitinga blames Bassey’s struggles at Ajax on former team Rangers 

Ajax boss John Heitinga has put the blame on Rangers for Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey's struggles since leaving Ibrox for the Eredivisie in the summer.

Heitinga has used the 23-year-old sparingly since being handed the reins in Amsterdam following the sacking of Alfred Schreuder as he looks to get the Eredivisie title push back on track.

 The Nigeria international has been heavily criticised since his £19 million move from Ibrox to Dutch football, after playing a starring role in Rangers run to last season's Europa League final with Ajax greats lining up to take pot shots at the versatile defender.

After being handed a rare start in the Europa League stalemate with Union Berlin, Bassey was back on the bench during the 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam and was handed a 20-minute cameo at the Johan Cruyff Arena. 

While Heitinga has offered support to the defender he claims Bassey is still overcoming what he has picked up in Scottish Premiership.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: “Calvin is a top professional. He comes from Glasgow and knows a different way of playing. In Holland, a lot is demanded on the ball and you play with a lot of space behind you.

“He can defend. We have to help him and make sure he has plenty of opportunities, but we know how long the rest of the season is. We are going to need him.”