Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was listed on Friday among five players vying for Fulham's Player of the Season award.
The 24-year-old has been impressive for the Cottagers since his arrival from Ajax last July. Bassey played an integral role in Marco Silva's setup, helping Fulham finish 13th in the Premier League with 47 points.
Bassey's impressive numbers for Fulham in the 2023/24 season
Bassey has left an indelible mark on Fulham's 2023/24 campaign, showcasing his prowess and adaptability in the Premier League.
The Nigeria international played a pivotal role in the Fulham setup, making a significant impact across various competitions.
In the Premier League, Bassey featured in 29 games, starting 25 of them and averaging an impressive 79 minutes per match.
His contribution extended beyond minutes played, highlighted by a memorable goal—a brilliant opener in Fulham's first win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 21 years. It's a season that Bassey can reflect on with immense pride. He also made three appearances in the EFL Cup.
It's hard to believe that Calvin Bassey had never played in the Premier League prior to this season, given how seamlessly he integrated into Fulham's setup.
Overcoming an initial challenge as a right-sided centre-back, Bassey has thrived since moving over to the left, becoming a defensive colossus for his team.
Many of Fulham's attacking moves have started with Bassey carrying the ball out of defence, showcasing his speed and strength to navigate through challenging situations. His ability to read the game and provide a stable presence at the back has been crucial for Fulham's defensive stability.
Who are Calvin Bassey's competitors for Fulham's Player of the Season?
Bassey faces tough competition from a talented group of players for Fulham's Player of the Season award. The contenders include Bernd Leno, Rodrigo Muniz, João Palhinha, and Antonee Robinson.
Leno, the experienced goalkeeper, has been a stalwart in Fulham's defence, starting and playing every minute of all 38 Premier League games. He repeated this feat in the EFL Cup, featuring in all three games. The former Arsenal shot-stopper conceded 61 goals and kept 10 clean sheets.
Muniz, the Brazilian forward, played 26 games in the Premier League, starting 18 of them and impressively scoring nine goals, in addition to providing one assist. In the EFL Cup, he made five appearances and scored a goal.
Palhinha, the midfield powerhouse, made 33 appearances in the Premier League, scoring four goals and registering one assist. He also made five appearances in the EFL Cup. Palhinha topped the divisional charts for tackles made, with 152. That’s 24 more than his closest competitor (international teammate João Gomes), and even surpasses the figure he managed in 2022/23 (148).
Robinson had arguably his best season in a Fulham shirt, making vital contributions at both ends of the pitch. He was a mainstay in the team, starting 37 out of 38 Premier League fixtures. His season would have been perfect had he not picked up a muscular injury on international duty, which ruled him out of Fulham's 1-0 win over Luton Town in September.
Robinson led the league in interceptions with 80, a testament to his defensive acumen. Additionally, his six assists were surpassed by only three defenders – Pedro Porro, Vladimir Coufal, and Kieran Trippier.
