New Delhi: Borussia Dortmund have a long history of nurturing and developing some of the best young talents in the world. More recently, they have taken a liking to young English talent since the success current Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho achieved at the club. After Sancho, Dortmund successfully made Jude Bellingham into the star that he is currently and are doing the same thing with another former Manchester City product in their ranks, Jaime Gittens.
So it happened that both Bellingham and Gittens were involved in action on the same night during matchday five of the UEFA Champions League. While Bellingham faced a tough Champions League night with Real Madrid at Anfield, Gittens stole the spotlight during his team’s 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. Despite being just 20 years old, he has emerged as one of the competition’s breakout stars this season, and his dazzling performances are quickly building his reputation as a key player for the Bundesliga club.
His latest masterpiece came in Dortmund’s victory over Dinamo Zagreb, where he netted his fourth Champions League goal of the season. The goal exuberated pure class as he cut in from the left wing, before curling a precise right-footed shot from 18 yards out into the corner of the net. It wasn’t just a moment of individual brilliance but a crucial breakthrough for Dortmund after a dominant first half where they struggled to beat Zagreb’s inspired goalkeeper, Danijel Zagorac. Gittens’ strike just before halftime lifted the pressure off the team, allowing them to cruise to a comfortable victory in Croatia.
The young winger’s rise mirrors the paths of both Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, both of whom flourished at Dortmund before moving on to bigger stages. Like Sancho, Gittens’ journey from a Manchester City academy prospect to a Bundesliga star has been rapid and impressive. His performances have drawn comparisons, and there’s growing speculation about whether he’ll follow Sancho and Bellingham into the senior England squad.
Clean Slate under Thomas Tuchel for everyone
England is looking to usher in a new ear with incoming manager Thomas Tuchel. The German is slotted to take charge of the national team in 2025 and he could turn to his former club for some help. A former Dortmund manager, Tuchel could call up his mates in the Dortmund set up to get an insight on the exciting winger, proving Gittens to be a compelling option for the German. The left wing has long been a problematic position for England, with no one firmly establishing themselves as a permanent fixture.
Phil Foden played there at Euro 2024, followed by Anthony Gordon in the Nations League, and Jack Grealish has also featured. However, none have fully claimed the role as their own. With Sancho not yet looking a part of the England squad, this could be the moment for Gittens to make the spot his own. Since Tuchel is yet to come in to the fold, it is currently a clean slate for everyone and that could work in the 20-year-old’s favour.
🏴 Jamie Gittens (20) for @BVB in the Champions League this season:
☑️ 4 starts
⚽️ 4 goals
🔑 4 chances created
🚀 12 shots
🔀 14 dribbles completed
💪 17 ball recoveries
🤼 25 duels won
Gamechanger. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/xqI9IXAO5d
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) November 28, 2024
His natural ability on the left flank and consistent performances for Dortmund this season could make him an appealing candidate. In a Champions League match against Club Brugge earlier this season, Gittens once again showcased his knack for decisive moments. With 15 minutes left and the game still goalless, he scored twice to lead Dortmund to a 3-0 victory—his second goal a stunning cut inside from the left, reminiscent of his strike against Zagreb.
His domestic form is just as impactful. In August, he scored two late goals to secure a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, further proving his ability to influence matches when it matters most. This season, Gittens has already racked up seven goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, a significant leap from his three-goal contribution last season. His transformation from a bit-part player to a central figure in Dortmund’s squad is evident, and his consistency could soon make him a fixture in England’s plans.
Next star from Borussia Dortmund’s production line?
Gittens’ evolution is not just about his performances but also his identity. This season, he simplified his name from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to Jamie Gittens, a change reportedly suggested by his father. The decision reflects his desire to make a stronger, more personal mark in the football world. His emergence as a key player for Dortmund comes at a crucial time for the Black and Yellow.
The club currently sits fourth in the 36-team Champions League table, and Gittens’ contributions have been vital in their European campaign. While comparisons to Bellingham are premature, his trajectory is similar, and there’s a growing belief that he could become Dortmund’s next world star. For now, Gittens is quietly building his legacy, but it won’t stay quiet for long.
If he continues this upward trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks into the senior England squad. Tuchel, with his Dortmund connections and eye for talent, will surely be paying attention. Gittens has the potential not only to solve England’s left-wing dilemma but also to be a game-changer for the national team’s future. Dortmund has long been a proving ground for young talent, and Jamie Gittens looks set to be their next success story.
The young Borussia Dortmund winger has started the season on fire and scored another stunner in his side’s latest UEFA Champions League match last night. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
