Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar has told Calvin Bassey 's doubters to lay off amid fears over performances since a £19m plus add-ons move to the Eredivisie champions.
The former Rangers defender was a hot commodity in the summer with his eye-catching displays en route to the Europa League Final had Ajax and Brighton battling to secure his signature. The Dutch side won out but it has been a difficult start for Bassey with former players and supporters fearing his passing ability is below the standard required to play the Ajax way.
But van der Sar isn't among the dissenting voices and the Manchester United legend is convinced Bassey will only improve in red and white - much like Lisandro Martinez did before securing his £57m switch to Old Trafford in the summer. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with VI, Van Der Sar said: "Calvin also has qualities, but will have to improve to get to that level. That is very logical, and Martínez has also had that development with us. Just think about two years ago, when Martínez spent a lot of time on the bench. It takes time to grow, it's not fair to judge Bassey directly on the level of Martínez."
And the 52-year-old is adamant boss Alfred Schreuder is going nowhere after toiling in the Champions League with four defeats outwith the victories over Rangers. Some punters have been left miffed but the club's top man has urged them to stick with the plan.
He added: “We must not be guided by our emotions. “Bosz had to leave, same for ten Hag. I remember standing on a roundabout with 500 fans, some shouting Ziyech was no longer allowed to wear the shirt."
