Former Juventus defender Sergio Porrini has likened the style of play of Super Eagles star Calvin Bassey to that of Juventus' Italian stalwart Giorgio Chiellini.
Porrini believes Bassey has the strength, the quality of play and ability on the ball just like the outgoing Juventus defender Chiellini.
Bassey is attracting a lot of transfer interest from big clubs across Europe after the 22-year-old enjoyed a break-out season with Rangers and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Like Chiellini, like Calvin Bassey - Porrini
As reported by The Sun, Porrini stated that Bassey has shown up in the big games this season, including the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
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Porrini said: "He (Bassey) caught my eye especially in the big European games and for me he was as good as anyone in the Europa League final. He is quick. physically strong and very committed. For me, he is a real defender."
The former Italian defender noted that Bassey is not only just good on the ball but he is also strong and has the quality to play, much like Chiellini.
“You have the defender who is very good on the ball and the other is more like a Giorgio Chiellini who is very strong but also has the quality to play. I think Bassey falls into that later category," Porrini said.
Porrini predicts big-money deal for Calvin Bassey
Porrini, who also had a four-year stint at Rangers during his playing career, stated that Bassey is now attracting interest from clubs in the Italian Serie A this summer transfer window.
The 53-year-old current Albania assistant coach agreed that any club interested in signing the Nigerian international would have to part with a huge chunk of money due to Bassey's long-term contract at Rangers.
Porrini said: "I am not surprised that Aston Villa and other top clubs are looking at him. I know there has been Serie A interest and a lot of teams will be wanting to sign him this summer.
“Any club who has the budget will be trying to get him because he is a top, young defender who will only get better.
"The good thing for Rangers is that he is still under contract and if they are to sell him it would take a lot of money to get him.”
Calvin Bassey 2021/22 stats
Bassey has two more years left on the four-year contract he signed in July 2020 while joining as a free agent from Leicester City's U23 side. His contract expires in May 2024.
Bassey played a total of 50 matches in all competitions for Rangers during the 2021/22 season, chipping in with six (6) assists while filling in at both centre-back and left-back for the club.
The 22-year-old also made his debut for the Nigerian senior team in a World Cup qualifier against Ghana. He has since started the subsequent two friendlies the Super Eagles have played against Mexico and Ecuador.