Arbeloa tips Bassey for Fulham captaincy

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Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has identified Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey to become a leader for the club ahead of the new Premier League season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The Spaniard’s confidence in the 26-year-old was underlined when Bassey wore the captain’s armband in Fulham’s final two pre-season fixtures against Málaga and Stuttgart.

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Arbeloa believes Bassey’s ability to defend in space and his work ethic make him an ideal fit for his style of play, while his personality could also see him take on greater responsibility within the squad.

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“I see Calvin as a proper player, a top player for the style of play I want at Fulham,” the former Liverpool right-back said in his post-match press conference following the clash against Stuttgart.

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“To defend so high with a lot of space in behind, he has everything, and I think he’s a top player.

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“He’s a funny guy, but when we have to work, he’s the first one. I really love him, and I want him to be our leader.”

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Bassey’s growing importance at Craven Cottage reflects his development since returning to England following spells in Scotland and the Netherlands.

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The Nigeria international has been one of Fulham’s most reliable defenders since joining from Ajax in 2023, making 30 Premier League appearances last season and starting 28 of them.

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In the 2024/25 season, he was voted the club’s Player of the Season after making 35 Premier League appearances.

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Arbeloa, who joined Fulham ahead of the start of the season, has worked with Bassey and the rest of the squad throughout pre-season, and the Nigerian’s importance could go beyond simply being a regular starter.

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Bassey is being considered alongside Sander Berge, Antonee Robinson and goalkeeper Bernd Leno as part of the experienced core Arbeloa expects to guide a younger Fulham squad.

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