Written by Ricky Carroll
Calvin Bassey has enjoyed a phenomenal rise which culminated - in his colossal performance in the Europa League final vs Eintracht Frankfurt! Calvin first caught the eye of Ibrox bigwigs when he was 17, and he shone playing for Leicester City in a 6-1 demolition of a Rangers development squad. Bassey caught the eye of everyone that day. His physicality, reading of the game and engine impressed all at Ibrox that day. He has an unbelievable engine and desire to win at all costs, which were influential in helping Rangers reach the Europa League final. Bassey began his football journey in the Leicester City academy - before deciding to leave and join Scottish giants Rangers. He initially struggled to settle in Scotland, but Calvin has enjoyed a monumental renaissance this season playing left-back. He has become a vital part of the Rangers' first team this season - putting in an unbelievable shift in the Europa League final, which caught the attention of many watching. Calvin is physically imposing, which makes him extremely difficult to dispossess. He has a massive engine - which often sees him marauding up and down the left-hand side. His power of recovery is one of his best assets. Even when he is upfield, his desire and tenacity - seem to get him back for those last-ditch tackles! He is not afraid to drift infield and link up with his teammates in attacks making him a nightmare to mark when he ventures forward. He makes it look so easy, shrugging off opposition players with ease while he's marauding forward or fighting to make that last-ditch tackle. He's a man-mountain when he's in full flow with the ball at his feet. It's been an eventful journey for this Italian born youngster. From the streets of Aosta to the Nigerian national team! So much has happened for Calvin Bassey - but this feels like just the beginning for this young star!