Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has described his appointment as Fulham captain as a “privilege”, insisting that taking responsibility for the Premier League side has come naturally to him.
The Nigerian centre-back has worn the captain’s armband in each of Fulham’s first three Premier League games of the season after being handed the responsibility by new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who views Bassey as a strong leader within the squad.
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For Bassey, however, the captaincy has not changed his personality or his approach to his role in the team.
Speaking to Fulham’s media team, the Nigerian international said his experience and position on the pitch have naturally helped him develop leadership qualities.
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“It’s a privilege,” Bassey explained. “Being able to captain this club is unbelievable.
“Going into my fourth season, I know the boys and get on with everyone, so I just be myself and try to help everyone. Leading comes naturally because of the position I play, being able to see everything and having to communicate as a centre-half.
“I’ve been around these boys for so long and been fortunate enough to have played so many games, so it didn’t really change anything. Of course, it’s a huge privilege, and thank you to the manager for giving it to me, but I don’t think it’s changed me.”
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‘I’m more chill’
Despite the demands that come with being captain, Bassey insists supporters should not expect him to become a different character inside the dressing room when things are not going Fulham’s way.
The defender described himself as a calm presence who prefers to maintain positive energy rather than resort to shouting at his teammates.
“Nah, not really, that’s not me! I’m more chill. Before the game, I’m just happy, smiling as always. I want everyone to go in with good energy.
“Of course, you can get frustrated, but I think everyone understands that, so it’s not my personality to start screaming at people.”
Bassey also believes there is little value in immediately confronting frustrated teammates after a disappointing result.
“I know everyone goes out there and gives 100 per cent, and sometimes we’re just not able to win. I know they’re frustrated, I’m frustrated, but I think sometimes it’s best to leave people be and then speak about it later.”
Bassey gets permission to ‘stick it on’ Josh King
Part of Bassey’s responsibilities as captain also extends to helping Fulham’s younger players, and 19-year-old Josh King appears to have received particular attention from the Nigeria international.
Bassey revealed that King’s mother has even permitted him to keep the youngster in check if he gets carried away.
“His mum’s told me to look after him, so I know I can stick it on him if he gets too big for his boots! I always looked after him anyway, but I got the green light, so it’s even better now.”
But beyond the light-hearted banter, Bassey is clearly impressed by King’s work ethic and development.
The youngster has already scored twice for Fulham this season, and Bassey believes his commitment in training has been one of the reasons behind his early impact.
“I’m so happy for him. He works hard, he’s always on the pitch after training practising finishing, and he has good application in the gym.
“I just want him to keep working hard and keep helping us, because he’s a player we need and a player who’s bringing excitement to both our fans and the whole Premier League this season.”
Bassey is positive despite Fulham’s difficult start
Despite the positives, including King’s two goals, Fulham are still searching for their first points of the season.
Bassey, however, believes there are encouraging signs in the performances and is confident the team will continue to improve under Arbeloa.
“I’m excited. You can see from the way we’ve played that there are many positives. The manager is very calm; I think his experience as a player means he understands how hard it can be at times, so he’s able to lead us calmly.
“It’s a journey. We’ve only been with him for two months or so, so it’s very new, and he even understands that it’s different to what we’re used to, so it’s going to take time to adjust.
“It’s good that we’ve been able to put in performances that we can take positives from, but of course, you always want to improve.”
Bassey ready to lead Fulham at Anfield
Bassey’s leadership will be tested again this weekend when Fulham travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in what represents another major challenge for a team still searching for its first points of the campaign.
The Nigerian knows exactly what awaits his side against the reigning European heavyweights, but believes proper preparation can give Fulham a chance of causing problems.
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“It’s not going to be easy. You know what’s coming when you play Liverpool; they have top players. It’s just about doing our homework and seeing how we can hurt them.
“We talk with the manager about everything that might not have worked, and try to go into every game understanding more what he wants from us individually as players. He’ll set us up in the right way to tackle Liverpool.”
For Bassey, the captaincy may be a new responsibility, but his approach remains unchanged: stay calm, lead by example and help his teammates.
And with the Super Eagles defender set to lead Fulham out at Anfield, another opportunity awaits for him to demonstrate why Arbeloa believes he is the right man to carry the armband.
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