Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has tipped Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey to reach the same heights as Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk following a standout performance in Fulham’s 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool at Craven Cottage.
Bassey, 25, was a dominant figure at the back, playing a key role in ending Liverpool’s 26-match unbeaten run in the league.
The Nigerian defender produced an exceptional display against Mohamed Salah, who is the league’s top scorer with 27 goals, keeping him quiet throughout the match and limiting him to zero shots on target.
“Calvin has all the skills to be a top central defender. He ticks all the boxes to be a top, top player. Now he has to be more consistent,” said Fulham manager Marco Silva after the match.
Silva praised Bassey’s aggression, athleticism, and decision-making in high-pressure moments, and the former Ajax and Rangers defender’s statistics reflected his commanding performance – five clearances, three tackles, one interception, and a blocked shot.
Bassey’s performance caught the eye of Given, who spoke highly of the 25-year-old on BBC’s Match of the Day 2.
The ex-Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper drew comparisons between Bassey’s career trajectory and that of Van Dijk, who also made his name in Scotland before moving to the Premier League.
“Bassey has had a brilliant game and he’s had a really good season,” Given said.
“Marco Silva says, if he can be more consistent, he’ll be a top defender. He was at Rangers for a couple of years and he went to Ajax.
“He is more comfortable on the ball since he’s been to Holland and come back.”
“He’s 25 and he’s in his prime. He’s strong and he’s enjoying his football. We know how strong Mo Salah is – but not in this game. He even tried one drag-back. He was turning into Johan Cruyff.
It was brilliant play by Bassey. I don’t know where he gets the energy from. Marco knows he’s got a top player.”
Given went on to compare Bassey’s potential to that of Virgil van Dijk, stating: “The opposite centre-back in the game, Virgil van Dijk, is a phenomenal player. He’s had a similar pathway.
He’s gone to Glasgow with Celtic. Southampton took him and look at the career he’s had.
Am I getting ahead of myself to say Bassey could be in that bracket?”
Bassey, who was part of the Rangers squad that reached the 2022 Europa League final and won both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, made a move to Fulham from Ajax in 2023.
With Fulham eyeing European qualification, Marco Silva will be hoping for more consistent performances from the Super Eagles centre-back as they push for a spot in Europe.
