Ollie Bassett: The Understated Genius Shaping Atletico Ottawa’s Midfield
Since transferring from Pacific FC to Atletico Ottawa for the 2022 season, Ollie Bassett has quietly become one of the Canadian Premier League’s standout performers. His first year in Ottawa saw him contribute to 11 goals in 30 matches from a central midfield role, helping push his club to a league championship and earning himself the league’s MVP award. Notably, Bassett matched his previous goal and assist tally—8 goals and 3 assists—in only 18 appearances the next season, underscoring his growing influence as a playmaker and attacking threat.
Beyond the Numbers: What Makes Bassett Unique
For spectators who watch Bassett and the CPL regularly, his intelligence and technical precision on the field are clear. However, a statistical review of his performance might not reveal the full extent of his impact. Compared to other central midfielders, Bassett’s metrics outside of goal involvement often appear modest. In analytical rankings focused on typical box-to-box midfielder stats, Bassett tends to rate lower. Yet, it’s his intangibles—elements that go beyond numbers—that truly set him apart.
Mastery of Space and Movement Off the Ball
A major part of Bassett’s game is his remarkable awareness and movement in tight spaces. Operating primarily in the right-half space, he frequently finds pockets to receive the ball and orchestrate play. His chemistry with Atletico’s right-sided attackers—like Jean-Aniel Assi and Samuel Salter—creates fluid attacking sequences. Under pressure, Bassett displays composure, making swift decisions and staying constantly mobile to open up passing lanes.
Although not the most physically imposing, and sometimes vulnerable when challenged in duels, Bassett compensates with smart movement and anticipation. Like playmaking legends before him, his stature is no barrier; he reads the game several plays ahead, scanning the field and adjusting his position to maximize his team’s effectiveness. This footballing IQ enables him to slip into dangerous areas and consistently select the best passing or shooting option.
Notably, his progressive passing ability shines both visually and in the data, completing over 82% of his progressive passes during the season. This efficiency puts him alongside some of the league’s other accomplished midfielders and illustrates his importance in advancing play.
Craftsmanship in the Final Third
Bassett’s keen sense of positioning also informs his output in attack. He excels at threading incisive passes to spark counter-attacks and is adept at linking up with dynamic attacking teammates. His synergy with former teammate Ballou Tabla and current colleagues like Jean-Aniel Assi demonstrates how he adapts to different partners in the attack, tailoring his passing and movement to amplify their strengths.
Toward the top end of the pitch, Bassett has diversified his goal-scoring methods. He’s converted from set pieces, fired home long-range efforts, finished off quick counter-attacks, and shown the instincts of a true box-to-box midfielder by arriving late and unmarked for tap-ins. His preferred move often involves drifting into space in the right channel, a scenario that led to some of the most memorable goals for Atletico Ottawa, including a notable finish against Forge FC.
Statistical Impact and Areas for Growth
Bassett stands out as the most prolific scoring midfielder in the CPL, averaging 0.43 goals per 90 minutes and accumulating an expected goals value of 0.29 per 90—both top marks among his midfield peers. While his strengths in attacking phases are clear, there are aspects of his game that remain less developed, such as physical defending and volume of defensive actions. These factors may present challenges in teams that require midfielders to win physical battles more frequently.
Conclusion: A Distinctive Asset in Canadian Soccer
Ollie Bassett exemplifies a modern midfielder whose contribution transcends basic statistics. His sharp spatial awareness, technical skill, and efficient decision-making make him essential to Atletico Ottawa’s tactical approach. By consistently identifying space, linking play, and delivering decisive moments in the final third, Bassett has firmly established himself among the CPL’s elite talents. As the league continues to grow, players like Bassett are demonstrating the rich depth and quality that Canadian soccer can offer.
