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Calvin Bassey continues to boss it as Ajax secure big win against Waalwijk

Calvin Bassey helped Ajax to a 3rd consecutive victory in the Eredivisie on Saturday night
Calvin Bassey during the game vs Go Ahead Eagles
Calvin Bassey during the game vs Go Ahead Eagles

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey continues to find his form for Ajax Amsterdam after putting in another impressive performance in the Dutch Eredivisie.

The 22-year-old defender put in a full day's shift for the Alfred Schreuder-led side on Saturday night to secure a 4-1 away victory over RKC Waalwijk.

Ajax's third win in a row in the Dutch top-flight ensured that they will remain top of the table after Matchday 11 irrespective of PSV Eindhoven's result against Groningen on Sunday.

Ajax defeat Waalwijk to remain top

Ajax were seeking to keep their noses clean in a Dutch league that so far has little margins with just two points separating them from PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, and AZ Alkmaar going into the match against Waalwijk.

Schreuder chose to start Bassey in the left-back position again with Daley Blind moving into the central defence to partner Jurrien Timber, the same as in their 7-1 thrashing of Excelsior.

Unlike against Excelsior when Ajax rolled over their opponents in the first half, Waalwijk gave Ajax a run for their money in the first half with the league champions even needing the Video-Assistant Referee (VAR) to save them from going behind through a Michiel Kramer goal in the 13th minute. 

Eight minutes later, the Dutch pair of Steven Berghuis and Steven Bergwijn combined to give Ajax the lead with the former grabbing his fourth league goal of the season.

However, Waalwijk refused to go away and they got the reward for their persistence in the 40th minute, Pelle Clement latching on to a Kramer assist to equalise as the hosts went into the halftime break level.

Ajax emerged inspired in the second period, with Berghuis giving Schreuder's side the lead in the 53rd minute. 

So far quiet in the first half, Dutch youngster Brian Brobbey came to life in the final half hour, scoring in the 62nd and 81st minute to take his league tally to eight (8) goals and two (2) assists in 11 matches.

Calvin Bassey stats vs Waalwijk

Calvin Bassey was dependable again for Ajax, putting in assured shifts both at the back and while attacking down the flanks.

The 22-year-old had four (4) tackles, one (1) clearance, won five (5) of his eight (8) duels, and had one (1) blocked shot.

Going forward, Bassey put in 51 passes at an accuracy rate of 85%, had four (4) crosses, and found a teammate with two (2) of his three (3) long balls. 

Ajax will return to action on Wednesday, October 26 when they take on Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

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