Why Mark Robins is so 'excited' about Coventry City teen set to be 'real asset' for club
It’s fair to say that Norman Bassette is one of the most exciting prospects Coventry City have had for years – a feeling underlined by an explosive performance against Tottenham on Wednesday night.
Still only 19, the Belgian centre-forward played with confidence beyond his years, with his blistering pace, chances on goal and an assist for Brandon Thomas-Asante to give the Sky Blues the lead giving manager Mark Robins plenty of food for thought ahead of Saturday’s CBS Arena clash with Swansea City.
Bassette started ahead of Ellis Simms in midweek, leading the line and causing Spurs all manner of problems when running in behind. And when he didn’t have the fans on their feet, he turned to them and urged them to make even more noise in what was a terrific cup tie atmosphere.
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Asked if he has to be careful with such a precocious talent, and not push him too quickly, too soon, Robins told CoventryLive: “I think that he is a lot older than his years. He’s 19 years of age and you’d never know it. And his outlook is really, really positive. He’s another effervescent character and once he starts to speak English... I mean, he can speak English really well.
“He said he can’t speak English very well but he’s outstanding. He is getting lessons. When I initially spoke to him he was a bit reluctant with his English, and not that confident. But then, all of a sudden, he started talking and he was absolutely fine.
“I asked him what’s wrong with your English? And he said no, give me three months and I’ll be fluent. And that’s just his outlook on everything. He’s so positive. And he’ll be a real asset, a great player for us, for this club.”
As for whether he’s seen a player as quick as him, the manager said: “In terms of attributes, he’s got everything. We haven’t really seen anything of him yet, just glimpses, but he will be... I am honestly excited to have him here because I think he’s a brilliant addition.”
And Robins revealed that the players had a laugh at the striker’s expense this week, but only to underline the lad’s positive character.
“We were showing the players some clips from the Tottenham game and I asked the analysts to let the clip run a little bit because he had his shot that was saved by the goalkeeper on Wednesday evening and he went to the crowd and started geeing them up,” said the City boss.
“While it brought some amusement to the other lads and a bit of hilarity in the room, it just showed what he is like. He’s an effervescent character who wants to be the best and to have that interaction with everyone in the right way.
“I like his character and he’s strong as well. And he’s demanding for a 19-year-old, he knows what he wants and where he wants the ball, and I think his contribution on Wednesday was a good one. The good thing is that there are so many different aspects to his game.”