Alvaro Arbeloa says Calvin Bassey is among the Premier League’s best defenders after Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Craven Cottage

Alvaro Arbeloa, the Fulham manager, praised Nigeria international Calvin Bassey after Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday, 20 September 2026, as Alex Iwobi, another Nigeria international, also featured for the home side.

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Calvin Bassey started and completed the full 90 minutes as Fulham twice came close to a first Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa this season.

The centre back helped create the opening goal. He won the ball from Matheus Cunha, drove forward and shot from range. Senne Lammens saved the effort, but the rebound struck Lisandro Martinez and went in for an own goal in the 63rd minute.

Manchester United levelled in the 89th minute when a shot from Matheus Cunha took a deflection and beat Bernd Leno.

Alvaro Arbeloa still singled out Calvin Bassey for the quality of his defending and his calm use of the ball.

“Calvin is one of the best defenders in the Premier League; he plays at a high level with and without the ball. He is doing so well,” Alvaro Arbeloa said.

The glowing verdict arrived after a demanding afternoon. Manchester United played without an orthodox centre forward, which asked Calvin Bassey to hold his position carefully.

Clinton Morrison, working on BBC Radio 5 Live, also admired the intervention that led to the opener, calling the piece of defending brilliant before the surge upfield.

Fulham remain without a league win under Alvaro Arbeloa. After five matches the club had two points and sat near the foot of the table. Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, left west London with five points and a place in mid table.

Alvaro Arbeloa said his team had been close again and a little unlucky against a big club. He also questioned some refereeing decisions, arguing that Fulham deserved slightly more than a point.

The draw still offered Calvin Bassey a timely lift before the international break. Alvaro Arbeloa pointed to the mix of youth and experience in his squad, with Alex Iwobi operating further forward while Calvin Bassey held the line.

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For Fulham, the afternoon ended as another near miss. For the defender, it added a public endorsement from his manager at a moment when the club needs leaders who can play both with and without the ball.