Fulham manager Marco Silva has identified a key area where Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey must improve to unlock his full potential and become a world-class player.

Since joining Fulham from Ajax, the 25-year-old has played a crucial role in the club’s push for European qualification, Footballrover reports.

Bassey has featured in 32 matches this season across all competitions, scoring twice and impressing with his strong defensive displays.

Despite a tough stint at Ajax, Bassey has thrived in the Premier League under Silva, showing off his pace, power, and work rate.

However, Fulham’s boss strongly believes that one specific flaw is limiting his rise to the top.

Calvin Bassey’s weakness highlighted by Silva

Speaking to Sky Sports, Silva praised Bassey’s qualities but made it clear that his aerial ability remains a weak spot.

The Portuguese coach remains confident in Bassey’s future, noting that the defender has already bounced back from setbacks and shown the right attitude to grow further.

“I really believe that he’s capable of playing at a very high level, definitely. He ticks all the boxes that a modern footballer and defender has to be.

“He has to improve in aerial duels and all the other things he has, really. He’s quick, strong… the duels – he has to be more concentrated and focused in all the moments of the game to make the other step,” he said.

Why fixing Bassey’s weakness matters for club and country

Bassey’s form is also crucial for Nigeria, especially with the Unity Cup and 2026 World Cup qualifiers around the corner.

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is counting on him to anchor the defence and will hope the Fulham star addresses this weakness.

Improving in aerial battles could turn Bassey into the complete defender—one who can dominate for both Fulham and the Super Eagles on the biggest stages.

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Last Updated on April 16, 2025 7:13 am by Sir Kris