Bassey ranked as continent's top defensive player, says Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen has named Fulham’s Calvin Bassey as the best African defender, while also highlighting Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero among the toughest opponents he has faced in his career, PUNCH Sports Extra report.

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The Galatasaray striker, speaking in an interview with River Rhodes after his latest title success, reflected on the defenders who have tested him most, drawing particular attention to Bassey’s physical strength in training and Romero’s intelligence on the pitch.

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Osimhen, who recently won the Turkish Super Lig title with Galatasaray, said his Nigerian teammate Bassey stands out not only in Europe but across the continent.

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“I’ll say, Calvin Bassey. First of all, in training. That guy is very strong, really very strong. I think currently now he’s actually the best defender in Africa and of course one of the best defenders in the Premier League,” Osimhen said, as shared on Instagram by the young Rhodes.

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He also praised Romero, recalling their meetings when the Argentina international was at Atalanta, describing him as one of the most difficult defenders he has encountered.

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“Also, Romero of Spurs, he’s actually a very intelligent defender. He gave me a hard time when we met,” he added.

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“I think I’ve faced a couple of world-class defenders, but I think the hardest is those two that I mentioned when I talked about the very best I’ve played with.”

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Osimhen has enjoyed a prolific spell in Turkey since joining Galatasaray, scoring twice in a recent win over Antalyaspor to take his season tally to 22 goals and help secure another league title.

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The triumph also saw him equal former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo’s record for the most Turkish league titles won by a Nigerian player.

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Bassey, a key figure for Fulham in the Premier League, has developed a reputation for his strength and defensive consistency, while Romero, a World Cup winner with Argentina, remains a central figure for Tottenham.

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