Calvin Bassey addresses post Rangers doubters as Ajax cynics rinse price tag with 'crazy' Premier League exit theory

Defender Calvin Bassey has pledged to shut out the Ajax critics - with a sceptic now calling for the Dutch side to cash in on the former Rangers star.

Boss John Heitinga has dropped the 23-year-old to the bench after taking over from Alfred Schreuder as he looks to get the Eredivise title charge back on track, coming on at half-time during the 3-1 win over Waalwijk. The Nigeria international has been heavily criticised since his £19million move from Ibrox to Dutch football, after playing a starring role in Rangers run to last season's Europa League final.

Sceptics have put the valuation of the player under the microscope, but Bassey insisted he remained fully focussed on learning the Ajax style despite the growing list of Dutch detractors. Speaking to ESPN about the criticism, Bassey said: “I want to better understand Ajax’s style and adapt myself to it. I want the style to suit me more.

"That's my goal now. I can do anything as long as I want it bad enough."

However, former Ajax star Kenneth Perez remainder undeterred in his criticism of the defender. He urged gaffer Heitinga to play Bassey more - so that an English Premier League put in a bumper bid.

Perez told ESPN that is the only way the Dutch side will see the cash again. The retired winger said: "Ajax paid way too much for him. He is limited in so many ways.

"As bad as he was earlier this season, he also became a bit of the personification of Ajax under Schreuder. You don't do him any favours as a left back, but he can be of value centrally.

"If he comes in now and does well, an English club might think: we'll make it. Those Englishmen are crazy enough."

READ NEXT