Ajax defender Calvin Bassey has admitted he was left with "frustration" after being dropped by new boss John Heitinga - but reckons it could have helped him long term.
Heitinga initially used the 23-year-old sparingly since after taking charge in Amsterdam following the sacking of Alfred Schreuder amid rising criticism for Bassey's performances following his bumper £19m move from Rangers. The Nigeria international had failed to replicated the form that saw him play a key role in helping the Ibrox side reach the Europa League final last term.
However, his absence from the starting line-up has helped Bassey improve his game, and he earned rave reviews for his solid performance in the 1-0 win over NEC Nijmegen after being recalled to the XI. The centre-back is hoping to keep his place in Heitinga's team when they face Heerenveen on Sunday and believes he has overcome his initial teething problems in Dutch football.
