Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given has predicted that Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey could reach the level of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, following an impressive performance in Fulham’s 3-2 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

At 25 years old, Bassey played a key role in ending Liverpool’s 26-match unbeaten streak in the league, delivering a commanding display against Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s top scorer with 27 goals. 

The Nigerian defender successfully neutralized Salah, preventing him from registering any shots on target throughout the match.

“Calvin has all the skills of a top central defender. He has everything needed to be an elite player. Now, he just needs to maintain that consistency,” said Fulham manager Marco Silva after the game.

Silva commended Bassey for his aggression, athleticism, and ability to make crucial decisions in high-pressure situations.

The former Ajax and Rangers defender recorded five clearances, three tackles, one interception, and blocked a shot, all while playing a pivotal role in helping Fulham secure a remarkable victory.

Bassey’s standout performance didn’t go unnoticed, as it garnered praise from Given, who lauded the defender on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, as reported by the Scottish Sun.

The ex-Republic of Ireland and Manchester City shot stopper reflected on Bassey’s growth and even compared his career path to that of Van Dijk, who also made his name in Glasgow before heading to the Premier League.

“Bassey has had a brilliant game and he’s had a really good season,” Given said.

“Marco Silva says, if he can be more consistent, he’ll be a top defender. He was at Rangers for a couple of years, and he went to Ajax. He is more comfortable on the ball since he’s been to Holland and come back.

“He’s 25 and he’s in his prime. He is strong and he’s enjoying his football. We know how strong Mo Salah is – but not in this game.

“He even tried one drag-back. He was turning into Johan Cruyff. It was brilliant play by Bassey. I don’t know where he gets the energy from. Marco knows he’s got a top player.”

Given then made a bold statement as he asserted, “I’m going to say something random and some people may disagree. The opposite centre-back in the game, Virgil van Dijk, is a phenomenal player. He’s had a similar pathway. He’s gone to Glasgow with Celtic. Southampton took him and look at the career he’s had.

“Am I getting ahead of myself to say Bassey could be in that bracket?”

Bassey, a former member of the Rangers team that made it to the 2022 Europa League final and secured both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, joined Fulham from Ajax in 2023. As Fulham aims for European qualification, Silva will be relying on the Super Eagles centre-back to deliver more consistent performances between now and the end of the season.