Nigerian defender, Calvin Bassey, has been heavily criticised by Ajax legends in the wake of their heaviest-ever European defeat at home.
The Dutch champions were pummeled 6-1 by Napoli with Bassey at the centre of the criticism in the Netherlands on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League.
Ajax went into an early lead through Mohammed Kudos after nine minutes, but Giacomo Raspadori, Giovanni di Lorenzo and Piotr Zielinski put the Partenopei 3-1 ahead before the break.
The Italians then scored more goals in the second half when Raspadori curled home his second, assisted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Giovanni Simeone scored their sixth goal of the game.
Dutch legend Marco van Basten was critical of their recruitment policy after the club spent £95m this summer having brought in £190m from player sales.
“Let’s be honest here, 6-1 was a massacre,” Van Basten said.
“To be outclassed like that by Napoli is unacceptable. Yes, they are a good team, but even so. Look at their transfer business and the amount of money Ajax have received.
“Ajax spent £95m, but on what? The only players who are actually playing are Calvin Bassey and Steven Bergwijn. The transfers have been strange and crazy. “
“There’s something not right there.”
And former Ajax hero Marciano Vink said, “Calvin Bassey’s predecessor, Lisandro Martínez, was great at passing and reading the game.”
“From the first moment I watched Bassey on his debut against Almere City, I was shocked at how bad his passing was. I believe that he is very strong and that he is powerful in the tackle, but at Ajax, something more is demanded, especially if you want to play the passing game.
“To blame everything on Bassey is a bit harsh, but I think he is typical of the scouting and purchasing from the club. When he gets the ball, there is no danger to an opponent. He has to improve quickly.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
