Kenny Tete has spoken glowingly about Fulham teammate Calvin Bassey, insisting the Nigerian international has proven himself to be a “fantastic player” in the Premier League after bouncing back from his ill-fated spell at Ajax.
Speaking to Het Parool (via Ajax Showtime), the Dutch full-back revealed his pride in Bassey’s resilience and praised his impact at Craven Cottage under Marco Silva.
Bassey, who joined Fulham for €22.5m in 2023, struggled in Amsterdam after a big-money move from Rangers the previous year but has since established himself as a key figure in Silva’s defence.
Tete: “I’m Proud of Him”
Tete, who plays alongside Bassey in Fulham’s back line, said opponents find it almost impossible to get past the 25-year-old:
“A fantastic player. You can’t get past him. At Ajax, he came at the wrong time. Luckily, Fulham were able to sign him. He repays the trust placed in him double and triple. I’m proud of him. Believe me, you don’t want to play against him.” — Kenny Tete, via Het Parool
Calvin Bassey’s Journey
Bassey’s career path has been anything but straightforward. After leaving Leicester City’s U23s on a free transfer in 2020, he flourished at Rangers under Steven Gerrard, particularly in Europe, which convinced Ajax to pay €22m for him in 2022.
However, his time in Amsterdam was turbulent. Signed to replace Lisandro Martínez, Bassey was criticised for high-profile mistakes and endured constant scrutiny in the Dutch press. Despite initially insisting he would fight for his place, he left for Fulham in 2023, a decision that revived his career.
Since then, the Nigeria international has become a cornerstone of Marco Silva’s back four, praised for his physicality, resilience, and ball-winning ability.
Bassey’s Fulham Impact in Numbers (2023–25)
| Stat (all comps) | Calvin Bassey |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 75 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Tackles won | 118 |
| Duels won | 365 |
| Clean sheets involved | 21 |
source: Fulham club data / Sofascore – 31 Aug 2025
The stats underline his consistency and importance to Silva’s setup, with his aggressive defensive style giving Fulham a stronger platform against top-flight opposition.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Bassey’s revival is a testament to Fulham’s recruitment strategy:
“Fulham saw a player who had been written off in the Netherlands but had all the raw tools to succeed in the Premier League. In Silva’s system, with better protection and a clearer role, Bassey has flourished. Tete’s praise tells you everything — he’s gone from scapegoat at Ajax to cornerstone at Fulham.”
Key Insights
- Kenny Tete praises Calvin Bassey as a “fantastic player.”
- Bassey bounced back at Fulham after tough Ajax spell.
- Joined Fulham in 2023 for €22.5m.
- 72 appearances since arriving at Craven Cottage.
- Regarded as one of Silva’s most consistent defenders.
What’s Next?
Bassey is expected to remain a key figure as Fulham battle for mid-table stability in the Premier League this season. With Leeds United and Brentford previously monitoring his progress, his stock continues to rise — but Marco Silva will be determined to keep him at Craven Cottage.
👉 Has Calvin Bassey proven his critics wrong, and could he yet make another big move in his career?
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