Prior to their Europa League final on May 18 in Seville, the 29-year-old Croatian left-back hails Super Eagles player Calvin Bassey. He claimed he has a bright future at Rangers. The Nigerian international, 22, has been a crucial component for Gio van Bronckhorst’s side this season, helping them reach the Europa League final.
Rangers advanced to the European final after a 3-2 aggregate victory over RB Leipzig. Rangers came back to win the second leg 3-1 at Ibrox Stadium after losing the first game 1-0 at Red Bull Arena. Barisic, who has played with Bassey this season, has commended the Super Eagle, claiming that he possesses the mental strength to progress.
“He’s my child!” According to the Daily Record, Barisic remarked, “He’s a kind man and a great player.” “I believe he has made significant progress this season and can play both left and right back.” But we are aware of his characteristics. He is extremely powerful, and playing against him is really difficult. I’m glad he’s improved so much, and I believe he has a promising future. “
Bassey, who joined Rangers from Leicester City, has made 28 appearances in the Scottish Premiership. On August 9, 2020, he made his professional debut for Rangers in the Premier League as a substitute in a 3-0 win over St Mirren. After a successful trial, Bassey joined Leicester at the age of 15 and progressed through the club’s youth systems, making frequent appearances for the U18 and U23 sides.
Bassey, who was born in Italy, may have represented Italy, Nigeria, or England at the international level. Bassey accepted a call-up for Nigeria’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in 2021, committing his international future to the country.
On March 25, 2022, he made his Nigerian debut in a 0-0 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification match against Ghana. Nigeria, on the other hand, was unable to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar after a 1-1 draw in the return leg, which allowed the Black Stars to qualify on the away goals rule.
Bassey is one of the Rangers’ African players, alongside his Super Eagles teammates Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun, as well as Zambian international Fashion Sakala. On May 18, Bassey and Rangers will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
