Jamie Gittens Shines as Borussia Dortmund's Next English Star After Standout Performance
Jamie Gittens is quickly making a name for himself as Borussia Dortmund’s latest English sensation, following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old England youth international is in exceptional form, as demonstrated in Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Club Brugge.
Brought on in the 68th minute, Gittens scored two crucial goals to turn the match around, leading Dortmund to a 3-0 victory. While his first goal benefited from a fortunate deflection, his second showcased his skill, featuring impressive step-overs before finishing with his right foot. His performance earned him the player of the match title, and he could have completed a hat-trick had teammate Serhou Guirassy not taken a late penalty.
“Electric, the speed he has, the movement of the hips, as a defender it is your worst nightmare,” remarked former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock during BBC’s Champions League Match of the Day. “You can’t get anywhere near him, such is the speed of his feet.”
Dortmund fans are no strangers to Gittens’ impactful performances, as he also netted two late goals in a 2-0 victory over Frankfurt earlier this season. His full name, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, was shortened for this season at the suggestion of his father, marking a new chapter in his career.
Born in London in August 2004, Gittens started his journey at Reading before moving to Manchester City’s academy in 2018. However, like Sancho, he opted not to sign with City and joined Dortmund in 2022. He made his first-team debut in April of that year and his Champions League debut against Chelsea ten months later, scoring his first goal in the competition against AC Milan last season.
As he rises through Dortmund’s ranks, Gittens has also made significant contributions to England’s youth teams, helping the Young Lions win the European Under-19 Championship in 2022.
Having previously been a bit-part player, Gittens is now poised for a breakout season. Last year, he managed just two goals in the league and one in Europe, but he has already surpassed that tally in just five matches this term. His speed is evident, with 88 “intense sprints” recorded in the Bundesliga this season.
After the Brugge match, Gittens expressed the importance of his strong start, saying, “I was asked to create more chances for my team, which I did.” If he continues this trajectory, both Dortmund and England could have a star on their hands.