Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has revealed the toughest striker he has faced in the English Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bassey has been one of the best defenders in the English top flight since joining Fulham from Ajax in 2023. His brilliance has seen him become a key man at the back for the Cottagers.
He has built a reputation for being a physically dominant, quick, and composed defender who can operate as a center-back or a left-back.
Against some of the top strikers in the Premier League, Bassey has been able to hold his own. Last season, he featured prominently for Fulham as they successfully shut out strikers like Igor Thiago, Ollie Watkins, and Tammy Abraham.
Meanwhile, he has revealed that the toughest striker he has faced in the Premier League is Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
This is understandable, as his Fulham side has endured some bruising defeats against Manchester City in recent years. In the four games he has played against Haaland in the Premier League, the Norwegian has scored two goals. In the English top flight, he is one of the few attackers who can match Bassey for sheer strength.
Haaland is a goal machine, and it is not by chance. He has the physical advantage to back up how he operates; he is big, quick, and very smart on and off the ball.
Bassey Up For Key Premier League Season at Fulham
Bassey is up for an important season at Fulham. The club is in a transition period, as coach Marco Silva, who led them to Premier League promotion, left this summer.
Also, they have parted ways with Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, who were key players in previous years. Wilson joined rivals Leeds United, while the latter has moved to Wolves.
The new coach is Alvaro Arbeloa, who has not been tested enough at the top level, so fans do not exactly know what to expect next season.
Meanwhile, Bassey’s future has been questioned, as he has two years left on his Fulham deal, but there have been no talks about an extension yet.
He was previously linked to Fenerbahce, but the Turkish club ultimately refused to finish the deal. Nonetheless, with his brilliant performances, some clubs will definitely be keeping tabs on him.