Fulham manager Marco Silva, in a recent interview, opened up on why Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has been featuring from the bench in recent matches, Footynaija.com reports.
Bassey began the season as arguably Fulham’s best player, forming a solid defensive partnership with Joachim Andersen in the heart of the Cottagers’ backline and churning out impressive performances on a consistent basis.
The former Ajax Amsterdam defender made the starting XI in all but one of Fulham’s first 16 Premier League matches before leaving in mid-December to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In Bassey’s absence, Silva turned to Spanish defender Jorge Cuenca, who in turn, repaid his manager’s faith by ensuring that the Cottagers did not miss the Nigeria international’s no nonsense style of defending.
During that period, Fulham hit a decent patch of form, recording five wins, two draws and two defeats. Cuenca also helped the West London club secure consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season after a pair 1-0 wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
Despite this, it was the general expectation that Bassey would have no issues reclaiming his starting spot, especially after his performances at the AFCON where he was one of the best defenders in the tournament.
However, since his return from international duty, the 25-year-old has had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench, with just five minutes of action in the Cottagers’ last two outings against Brighton and Manchester United.
Addressing the situation, Silva made it clear that the decision was not a reflection of any decline in Bassey’s form or importance to the squad, but rather a reward for Cuenca’s consistency and performances in his absence.
“It’s a great thing for the team. I am the first one praising Calvin’s impact at the club, a great, great CB. Huge potential to keep growing,” Silva said, per Jack Kelly. “Cuenca has stepped in & shown his qualities. It’s a competition, Cuenca knows the pro he’s up against.”
Fulham return to Premier League action on Sunday when Everton will be paying a visit to Craven Cottage. At the moment, it remains uncertain whether Bassey will return to the starting XI or maintain his place on the bench.
