Arbeloa sees Bassey as future captain for Fulham

Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has picked Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey as a potential leader for the club as they prepare for the new Premier League season, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Arbeloa's trust in the 26-year-old was clear when Bassey wore the captain’s armband in Fulham’s last two pre-season matches against Málaga and Stuttgart.

The coach thinks Bassey’s skills in defense and strong work ethic make him a great fit for his style of play. He also believes Bassey’s character can help him take on more responsibilities in the team.

“I see Calvin as a proper player, a top player for the style of play I want at Fulham,” the former Liverpool right-back said in his post-match press conference after the game against Stuttgart.

“To defend so high with a lot of space in behind, he has everything, and I think he’s a top player.

“He’s a funny guy, but when we have to work, he’s the first one. I really love him, and I want him to be our leader.”

Bassey’s rising role at Craven Cottage shows how much he has developed since coming back to England after playing in Scotland and the Netherlands.

The Nigeria international has become one of Fulham’s most dependable defenders since he joined from Ajax in 2023. He played 30 Premier League matches last season, starting 28 of them.

In the 2024/25 season, he was named the club’s Player of the Season after making 35 Premier League appearances.

Arbeloa, who started with Fulham at the beginning of the season, has worked closely with Bassey and the rest of the squad during pre-season. Bassey’s role could be more than just being a regular starter.

Bassey is being looked at alongside Sander Berge, Antonee Robinson, and goalkeeper Bernd Leno as part of the experienced group Arbeloa hopes will guide a younger Fulham squad.