Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, with statistical data highlighting his exceptional contributions to Marco Silva’s side.
The Nigerian international has flourished in Fulham’s backline, playing a crucial role in a team that sits ninth in the league after 24 matches. The Cottagers have also advanced to the FA Cup fifth round, where they will face Manchester United after edging past Wigan Athletic.
Bassey has been a mainstay in the Fulham defence, making 23 Premier League appearances and amassing 2,070 minutes on the pitch. While his performances have been widely praised, deeper statistical analysis reveals just how dominant he has been in key defensive areas.
Bassey Leads Premier League in Ball Carrying
According to data from PFF FC, no centre-back in the Premier League has a higher Ball Carry Grade than Bassey, who tops the category with a score of 82.9.
This metric evaluates a player’s dribbling, carrying ability, and resistance to tackles. It typically favours midfielders, making Bassey’s ranking even more remarkable. His score places him among elite ball carriers, including James Maddison, Moisés Caicedo, and Youri Tielemans.
His ability to progress the ball out of defence has been crucial for Fulham, allowing them to bypass opposition presses and transition smoothly into attack. His composure under pressure and technical ability make him a vital asset in Silva’s tactical setup.
Defensive Dominance
Fulham have conceded 32 goals this season—ranking ninth-best in the league—and Bassey has played a major role in maintaining their defensive solidity.
The 24-year-old ranks third among centre-backs in tackling, with an impressive grade of 85.0, placing him fifth overall in the league. He has won 37 tackles and successfully defended against 20 dribbles, boasting a 44% tackle success rate (13th overall) and winning 59% of his duels against dribblers (seventh overall).
Bassey has also been effective in aerial duels, registering a grade of 79.3, ranking him 28th among centre-backs. He has won 48 aerial duels this season, showing his strength in physical battles and dominance in the air.
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A product of Leicester City’s academy, he moved to Rangers in 2020, where he won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. He played a key role in Rangers’ run to the 2022 UEFA Europa League final, where they narrowly lost to Eintracht Frankfurt.
His performances in Scotland earned him a big-money move to Ajax in 2022 for a club-record £20 million, making him the most expensive Nigerian defender in history. However, after just one season in the Eredivisie, Fulham secured his services in the summer of 2023 for €21 million.
Bassey has since adapted seamlessly to the Premier League, proving his quality at the highest level. He scored his first goal for Fulham in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United in February 2024, marking his 20th league appearance for the London club.
Super Eagles Key Figure
Born in Italy, Bassey was eligible to represent Italy, England, or Nigeria at the international level. He ultimately chose Nigeria, making his Super Eagles debut in a World Cup qualifier against Ghana in March 2022.
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He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire last year, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s top defensive talents.
Source: The Athletic NG
