Fulham’s 3-2 win over Liverpool wasn’t just another upset, it was a stage where Calvin Bassey delivered one of his finest performances of the season.
Tasked with keeping Mohamed Salah quiet, the Nigeria international rose to the occasion, a feat few can boast this season.
Salah, the league’s leading scorer with 27 goals, failed to register a single shot on target, a direct consequence of the relentless marking of the Italy-born Super Eagles stopper.
Back in Marco Silva’s starting XI after sitting out against Arsenal, Bassey recorded three tackles, five clearances, one interception, and a blocked shot. He also completed 38 of his 42 passes and had 61 touches, displaying his composure under pressure as Fulham weathered Liverpool’s late surge.
The performance wasn’t just defensively sound, it was mature, measured, and symbolic of a player ready to lead on bigger stages.
Calvin Bassey is taking the torch in Nigeria’s backline
With William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi in the latter stages of their international careers, a new era looms for Nigeria’s defence.
Bassey has featured consistently in both three and four-man defensive systems for the Super Eagles since 2022. While Ekong has often been his partner, the signs are clear, the backline is transitioning, and the former Rangers youngster is at the centre of it.
In Nigeria’s recent draw against Zimbabwe, it was the 25-year-old who stood tall, while lapses from more senior defenders like Ekong cost the team late on.
Performances like these have positioned him as the natural heir to the leadership role in defence, a figure teammates can look to for stability.
Preparation for the 2025 Unity Cup is ongoing, and manager Eric Chelle will likely use the tournament to test new partnerships.
Names like Jordan Torunarigha, Gabriel Osho, and Igoh Ogbu are in contention, but none bring the combination of top-level club experience and consistency that the Fulham man offers.
Bassey: Modern day centre-back
Beyond traditional defending, Bassey brings modern attributes to the position. His ability to progress play from the back is among the best in the Premier League.
Coooool from Calvin. 🧊
⛔️ @EveryCloud_UK x @Acronis pic.twitter.com/L6Kjuu2Bkp
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 29, 2025
Per PFF FC data, he leads all centre-backs in Ball Carry Grade (82.9), ahead of many midfielders known for their dribbling and ball retention.
This strength allows Fulham to transition smoothly from defence to attack. Crucially, it doesn’t come at the expense of solidity. The left-footed defender ranks third among Premier League centre-backs in tackling (85.0) and fifth across all positions.
