Premier League A Better Fit Than Eredivisie – Bassey

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has revealed that adapting to the Premier League felt more natural to him than his stint in the Netherlands.

Despite initially facing criticism at Ajax, Bassey subsequently moved to Fulham, where he has since established himself as one of the division’s leading defenders.

The Nigeria international has become a pivotal player for Fulham, earning the club’s Player of the Season award for 2024/25.

Speaking to AjaxShowTime, Bassey elaborated on feeling more at home in England than he did in the Dutch league.

“The Premier League is easier for me because I’m accustomed to English football,” he stated. “Many managers come from abroad – mine is Portuguese – but the system is one I recognise. What’s expected of you at Ajax requires time.”

He added: “New players need longer to adjust. When you’re young – I was 21 or 22 then – you might need another season to settle, just like in England. I needed a year there to find my feet. After that, I played most matches and became Player of the Year.”

“I feel like I understand the game better now, and that comes from experience,” he continued. “The only way to know you’re doing something wrong is to actually do it wrong. It’s about mentality; you have to be willing to make mistakes in order to improve.”

Bassey also highlighted the Eredivisie’s demand for a significantly deeper tactical understanding.

“It was the tactical aspect – knowing where to be and where your next pass is going. At Ajax, a full-back plays almost like a number six in possession, or moves as soon as you receive the ball. If you grasp the tactics and know where your next pass must go, it becomes simpler.”

“If my first touch went outside – which felt natural because I expected the full-back to be there – my passing lane was instantly blocked. At Ajax, the full-back has to cut inside.”