Calvin Bassey has told BT Sport that he found it “weird” playing against Rangers and beating the Scottish side in the Champions League – as Ajax cruised to a 4-0 win over his old teammates, after his Ibrox exit in the summer.
Bassey, 22, clocked up his fifth appearance for Ajax in all competitions after completing a move that saw Rangers receive an initial £19.5million. Rangers could receive up to £3million more in add-ons. Bassey has made a superb start.
In his five outings, Bassey has nabbed two assists – one of which came against Rangers. He fed Mohammed Kudus who ran down the left before unleasing a pile driver into the far corner past Jon McLaughlin. Four clean sheets, too.
On Wednesday night, he was pivotal in keeping new Rangers signing Antonio Colak quiet. The Gers were swept aside. Out ran by 6km according to BT Sport. Bassey said after the match that it was weird to play against his old side.
“I’m buzzing, but it’s a weird feeling,” Bassey told BT Sport. “When I’m not playing against the boys I’m rooting for them and wanting them to win, but on the pitch you have to switch that focus and I’m pleased to get the win.”
Ajax defender Bassey found it ‘weird’ playing against Rangers
Ajax reminded Rangers just how far off it they currently are. Two successive 4-0 defeats, to Celtic and Ajax, has plunged the future of Giovanni van Bronckhorst into doubt. But the Dutchman can hardly be blamed, but a lack of investment.
Raking in almost £20million for Bassey, and £16million for Nathan Patterson in January, would surely have given Rangers some money to spend. But that cash has seemingly been used to balance the books at Ibrox.
Rangers did bring in seven new players. But two were on a free, and Malik Tillman – arguably their best signing – is only on loan. Just £13million was spent on Ben Davies, Ridvan Yilmaz, Rabbi Matondo and Colak. Plenty to do for Rangers.
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