Calvin Bassey go wear Fulham captain armband for di opening match of 2026/27 Premier League season, as dem go host Chelsea for Craven Cottage on August 24.
New boss Álvaro Arbeloa, wey formerly play for Real Madrid and Liverpool, don put im trust for di 26-year-old Nigerian defender. Bassey don already dey wear di armband for di final pre-season matches, so dis one no be just ceremonial matter.
Bassey bin join Fulham from Ajax for July 2023 for around €21 million, to help strengthen di defense. E don show say e fit play as left-back or centre-back, depending on wetin di team need.
Arbeloa reportedly want high defensive line, and Bassey pace and intelligence dey important for dat style. Di gaffer don pick Bassey as captain even though Sander Berge and Antonee Robinson dey respected for dressing room. Dem don support Bassey leadership.
For May 2026, Bassey reach im 100th appearance for Fulham. Na im born for Aosta, Italy, on December 31, 1999, but e dey represent Nigeria internationally. E don play for Rangers for Scotland, Ajax for Netherlands, before coming to London.
Fulham dey try to do something wey no happen for over five decades: beat Chelsea two times in a row for league. Di last time dem do consecutive Premier League wins against Chelsea na for di 1970s.
Bassey versatility also give Arbeloa option to change shape during match, like from back four to back three, without needing to sub am.
