Bassey: “I’m a centre‑back who loves to attack,” says Fulham star

Calvin Bassey has pledged to bring more than defensive grit to Fulham’s backline, describing himself as “an exciting centre‑back” who thrives on pushing forward. “I’m a centre‑back who likes to attack. I’m going to go on a little dribble once in a while,” he confirmed, adding that manager Marco Silva embraces this adventurous style, saying, “My manager accepts it and he knows what I am. I’m confident. I trust myself with the ball”.

Last season saw the 25 year old Nigerian rewarded as Fulham’s Player of the Year in just his second campaign at Craven Cottage. He featured in all but three Premier League matches as Silva’s side narrowly missed out on European football. Reflecting on his development, Bassey stated, “It was not about winning anything personal it was just about doing better than I did last season,” emphasising his motivation to improve.

Silva’s tactical switch playing Bassey on the left side of a two centre back pairing maximised his natural left‑footed ability, enhancing Fulham’s build‑up play. Bassey attributes much of his progress to his manager. “He is one of the best managers in the Premier League,” he said, praising Silva’s honesty and demanding standards “He knows what he wants from the team he gives us confidence… the one thing he wants  is you give 100 per cent commitment.”

In his youth, Bassey operated as a tricky winger, and he believes many of those attacking instincts remain. His formative years were shaped by street football in east London before Leicester’s academy honed his skills. He described how stints at Rangers and Ajax influenced him Glasgow “toughened the then 21 year old,” while Ajax instilled a Cruyff‑style respect for possession.

As Fulham aim for Europe again, Bassey has set a personal target beyond defensive solidity. “Some defenders will talk of clean sheets, but for the centre‑back who likes to attack, five goals, minimum,” he declared, hoping to improve on his two‑goal return.

Editorial

We find Bassey’s evolving role at Fulham deeply encouraging. He brings modernity to the position an aggressive left‑footed presence who dares to drift into midfield and engage attackers. This is football liberated from the old back‑line dogma.

Silva’s tactical intelligence shines in the decision to play Bassey as the left-sided centre‑back in a duo. That slight positional tweak has amplified Bassey’s technical strengths, enabling him to initiate play securely. We can see how thoughtful coaching unlocks latent talent.

It is also striking how Bassey retains winger instincts dribbles, Cruyff turns, unpredictability assets rare in a centre-back. The ability to transition defence into attack is invaluable in modern systems, and Bassey provides it.

We believe Fulham’s back-to-back near-misses for Europe can be resolved by players who bridge defence and attack, imposing themselves at both ends. Bassey is not merely a defensive stronghold he’s a catalyst, capable of shifting games. Our belief is unwavering: Bassey epitomises the future of defensive roles. He’s not just guarding the back four he’s transforming them.

Did You Know?

1. Bassey began his career as a winger and retains flair moves from that era in his game.
2. His youth included street and cage football in east London before joining Leicester City’s academy.
3. He played every minute of Rangers’ run to the 2022 Europa League final, even scoring in neutral‑venue pressure games.
4. Bassey debuted for Fulham at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, featuring in February 2025 against Wigan Athletic U18s.
5. He is naturally left‑footed, giving Fulham a true left‑side orientation in their defensive setup.