Ibrox View: Outstanding starlet cameo proves Rangers can cope as key man faces fitness test
Calvin Bassey looks to be in line to start for Rangers against Livingston on Sunday after Steven Gerrard confirmed Borna Barisic is a doubt due to injury.
The 20-year-old came off the bench in Thursday’s win over Standard Liege after his fellow defender limped off against the Belgian side.
Bassey immediately made an impact as his forward runs caused havoc for the Liege defenders, while their attackers couldn’t find a way past him.
The young defender didn’t look out of his depth on just his second European appearance and the stats show just how good he was.
Going forward, Bassey registered a 100% success rate for both dribbles and crosses which shows that he can perform as an attacking full-back in the same vein as Barisic and James Tavernier. (Wyscout)
He also won 67% of his offensive duels and made three progressive runs forward which helped the Gers get into attacking positions as they looked to double their lead.
Add to that his six interceptions and two clearances and it clear to see Bassey played a crucial role in helping Gerrard’s men to a vital clean sheet on the road.
Interestingly, the stats also show that on Thursday, Bassey outperformed some of Barisic’s average stats from this season. For example, the Croatia international has been averaging a 47.1% pass completion rate this season while Bassey managed a 67% pass completion rate on Thursday.
The 20-year-old also won 67% of his defensive duels against Liege, while Barisic has only won 60.4% of his defensive duels on average this season. Barisic’s stats aren’t bad by any stretch but the Croatian’s averages highlight just how impressive Bassey has been in replacing him.
Hopefully, Barisic won’t be ruled out for a long period of time, but if he is then Bassey has shown that he is more than capable of stepping up when he’s called upon. Gers fans must be looking forward to seeing how much the young defender can develop this season as they got a glimpse of his best on Thursday night.
In other Rangers news, a Rangers investor has touted a potential ‘Cash windfall’ to bring in ‘New blood’ at Ibrox.