Ibrox View: Rangers ace proves he is exciting alternative to Gers regular in Sunday masterclass
If Calvin Bassey is ever going to become first choice left-back for Rangers, he’s going to have to do the semi-impossible task of displacing Borna Barisic.
The Croatia international has been a superb asset for the Gers over the past 12 months, and with five assists already this season, he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down either.
And that means that Bassey has to seize the rare opportunities that he is granted with both hands.
To be fair to the full-back, he did exactly that on Sunday against Motherwell.
Starting ahead of the slightly-injured Barisic, he put in a really admirable display on his first start for the Gers.
The 20-year-old barely put a foot wrong, and once again showed the kind of attacking promise that makes him such an exciting prospect.
Bassey’s cross accuracy was 100% at Fir Park, while his pass accuracy was 85% and his dribble success rate was 67%, as per Wyscout.
As a point of reference, Barisic’s pass completion rate this season has been 3% lower, while his dribble success rate has been inferior by 17%.
What’s most pleasing about Bassey’s crossing particular is just how advanced a position he takes up to deliver the ball from.
This isn’t just a case of a full-back lumping balls into the box from deep, but rather a flying defender with the ability to get to the byline and stretch a defence.
Take the example above.
As soon as the chance arises, Bassey is on his toes and looking to get beyond his opposite number in an attempt to crack the backline.
Bassey’s natural pace means that he is never in danger of losing out in a foot race, and he has enough confidence and talent to hit his cross first time.
His technique is brilliant, wrapping his foot around the ball but not skimping on the power and curve that are always bound to give defenders nightmares.
His accuracy is pinpoint and were it not for a slightly wild headed effort, this could have been the assist that gave James Tavernier his hat-trick.
Obviously, and understandably, Barisic will come back into the starting XI when he is deemed fit enough to do so, but certainly on the evidence what we saw from Bassey at the weekend the Gers have an exciting and very capable deputy.
In other Rangers news, ‘Fantastic’ – Shaun Maloney blown away by Rangers new signing.