Calvin Bassey was applauded by Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Junior for one moment that may have saved the day in their Europa League draw with Union Berlin.
The former Rangers defender has had a tough time of it in Amsterdam lately and has found himself a scapegoat by sections of the Dutch media given his inconsistent performances since his megabucks move. He was dropped by John Heitinga for a run of domestic games before being recalled for the 0-0 draw with Union.
But that game see him deliver one of his best performances of the season as he was rated one of the "best players on the pitch" while most of his colleagues were slaughtered. Kraay Junior reckons his pace was the difference as he highlighted a one-on-one duel with Sheraldo Becker which he felt would have gone against the Eredivisie side had it been the more esteemed Edson Alvarez starting in his place.
He said: “Because Bassey has the speed that Union Berlin also has in the front. He once had to sprint with Sheraldo Becker against Union Berlin. If Álvarez had been there, it would have been one-on-one with the keeper.”
Speaking after the game, former Celtic striker Pierre Van Hoojdonk had similar praise as he added: "Bassey stopped an awful lot (of chances). The rest were very disappointing. Everyone had an off-day. They are individualists. Based on the budget, it should have been a breeze."
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