Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens Impresses Again, Fueling England Prospects

Jamie Gittens scored to put Dortmund ahead against Dinamo Zagreb. While Jude Bellingham, a former Borussia Dortmund star, experienced a difficult Champions League evening with Real Madrid at Anfield, another English player establishing himself at the Bundesliga club was making a significant impact in the same competition. Jamie Gittens has emerged as a standout performer in the competition this season, scoring his fourth goal in five league phase matches, which contributed to Dortmund’s victory against Dinamo Zagreb. The 20-year-old’s goal was notably impressive, as he cut in from the left wing before striking the ball with his right foot from 18 yards out, accurately placing it into the corner of the net. This goal proved significant, occurring near the conclusion of the first half, during which Dortmund had controlled play but failed to score, and mere moments after Zagreb’s goalkeeper, Danijel Zagorac, had made a remarkable save from Donyell Malen. Gittens’ contribution allowed Dortmund to play with greater ease in a match they were controlling, ultimately leading to a comfortable 3-0 victory in Croatia. This performance further underscores the potential of the former Manchester City youth player, who appears to be emulating the trajectory of Jadon Sancho and Bellingham as a young English talent making a significant impact on the European stage with Dortmund. While it is yet to be determined if this progression will lead him to the senior England squad, similar to Sancho and Bellingham, Gittens has undoubtedly attracted the attention of the new Three Lions manager and former Dortmund coach, Thomas Tuchel. Should Tuchel seek new talent when selecting his inaugural England squad in March, he might view players such as Gittens as individuals capable of making a substantial contribution to the national team’s future. This decisive goal in Zagreb was not an isolated event. Earlier in the Champions League, Dortmund faced difficulties away against Club Brugge, with the score remaining level with 15 minutes left to play. However, Gittens was instrumental in securing another 3-0 away victory, contributing two goals. The first was a deflected shot, while the second showcased further individual skill from the right-footed winger, who again cut inside from the left. His propensity for scoring crucial goals is also evident in his domestic performances, highlighted by two late goals that secured a 2-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in August. Gittens primarily operates on the left wing, a position that has historically posed a challenge for England, with no player consistently establishing themselves in the role. Phil Foden occupied this position during Euro 2024, followed by Anthony Gordon as Lee Carsley’s preferred option during the Nations League campaign, with Jack Grealish also being selected; however, Gittens is a natural fit for the role and plays there regularly for a team currently ranked fourth in the 36-team Champions League table. This season has marked a period of self-discovery for the young player, notably including the shortening of his name from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a suggestion made by his father. Following a season where he was a peripheral player, scoring only three goals for Dortmund, Gittens has now accumulated seven goals in 18 matches during the 2024-25 season and has participated in all of their competitive fixtures this campaign. Bellingham achieved global stardom at Dortmund. While Gittens has not yet reached that level, he is demonstrating the potential to emulate that success. Jamie Gittens has recorded four goals in five Champions League appearances and a total of seven goals across all competitions for Borussia Dortmund.