Rangers allowed Jon Flanagan and Andy Halliday to depart in the summer and with them went the cover for Borna Barisic at left-back, James Maxwell is a promising youngster but, unlike Nathan Patterson, he isn’t quite ready to make the step up.
Ross Wilson and Steven Gerrard moved for Calvin Bassey, signed from Leicester City’s academy, without a senior appearance to his name and many thought he would be a long-term project, however, his impact has been immediate and, speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton has claimed that he will soon be putting pressure on Barisic for a starting slot.
The former Gers man knows only too well what it takes to be a successful full-back at Ibrox and this isn’t the first time he has praised the 20-year old since moving to Glasgow:
“Nothing seems to faze this young boy. For one so young and not too much experience every time he’s been called upon, he’s been there, he’s been willing, he’s worked hard.
“Not just that, he’s been a standout. He’s not just come to play the position, he’s actually fighting for the position, which is good to see. He came in, I think for his first start against Motherwell, I think away, which is a difficult place to go and he played brilliantly.
“Every time I’ve seen him, whether it be on at half time or 20 minutes to go, he’s actually impacted the game.
“The goal for Barker, it was his driving run that kind of led to that so he is definitely contributing to the team and he’s pushing Barisic.
“The only thing at the moment is, obviously, Gerrard sees him (Barisic) as the number one left-back and what he gives is dead-ball delivery or delivery from wide areas. I think Bassey has got the potential to be better.
“He’s definitely got all the attributes, in my opinion, and he’s still learning. I think that people round about him, the likes of Barisic, will be helping him get better because you can always improve, possibly in the final third, and I’m sure they’ll come with time and games.”
Costing little more than a development fee, the early signs are that we have struck gold with Bassey, his attitude has been fantastic, as Hutton says, every chance he has been given, he has impressed.
He is understandably rough around the edges in that he can get caught on the wrong side or ball watch from time-to time, but it has to be remembered that the eight appearances he has for Rangers are the only times he has ever played senior football, his base level for progression is enormous.
Not only does he appear to have the technical and mental qualities required to be a success and understand what his role is within both the defensive and attacking structure but he is also an incredible athlete, not only is he quick and powerful with and without the ball but he is an absolute unit.
There is no longer a fear that if Barisic is injured that our left-hand side becomes impotent, as Bassey showed against Hamilton with crosses for Jermain Defoe and James Tavernier, he might not be on the level of the Croatian just yet but he’s not as far behind as we first thought either.