**Following Sancho’s Path: Jamie Gittens, Dortmund’s Next English Star?**
*By Joe Rindl, BBC Sport journalist*
**Introduction**
In recent years, Borussia Dortmund has become a hotbed for young English talent. First, it was Jadon Sancho, then Jude Bellingham. Now, all eyes are on Jamie Gittens, who seems poised to become Dortmund’s next English star. The 20-year-old forward has burst onto the scene with a string of impressive performances, leaving fans and experts wondering if he can follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.
**A Breakthrough Performance**
Gittens’ recent standout performance came in Dortmund’s Champions League opener against Club Brugge. With his team struggling, Gittens was brought on in the 68th minute and completely changed the game. He scored Dortmund’s first two goals, the first of which may have been a fortunate deflection, but the second showcased his skill and technique. Gittens dazzled with a series of step-overs before cutting onto his right foot and finding the back of the net.
Inspired by Gittens’ performance, Dortmund went on to win the match comfortably with a 3-0 victory, and Gittens was rightly named the player of the match. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock described him as “electric” and praised his speed and movement, stating that he is a nightmare for defenders to deal with.
**Living Up to Expectations**
Gittens’ impact off the bench is not a new phenomenon for Dortmund fans. In a match against Frankfurt in August, he scored two late goals to secure a 2-0 win for his team. However, it is his performance in the Champions League that has caught the attention of supporters worldwide.
The young winger’s rise to prominence has been rapid. Born in London in 2004, Gittens initially started his career at Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy in 2018. Like Sancho, he made the decision not to sign a professional contract with the club and instead moved to Dortmund in 2022. Since then, he has made steady progress through the ranks, making his first-team debut in April 2022 and his Champions League debut against Chelsea 10 months later. He scored his first goal in Europe’s premier competition against AC Milan last season.
Gittens has also been making strides with the England youth teams. In 2022, he played a crucial role in helping the Young Lions win the European Under-19 Championship, starting in the final.
**A Renaissance on the Horizon**
While Gittens has been a bit-part player for much of his Dortmund career, his recent performances suggest that he may be on the verge of a breakthrough. In just five matches this season, he has already surpassed his goal tally from the previous campaign. Known for his pace and quick feet, Gittens has made 88 “intense sprints” in the Bundesliga, showcasing his ability to create chances for his team.
Reflecting on his performance against Club Brugge, Gittens emphasized the importance of his strong start to the season. He expressed his satisfaction with being asked to create more chances for his team and delivered on that expectation.
If Gittens can maintain this level of performance, both Dortmund and England have an exceptional talent on their hands.
**Conclusion**
Jamie Gittens’ rapid rise at Borussia Dortmund has caught the attention of football fans worldwide. Following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, Gittens has shown tremendous potential and skill in his recent performances. His impact off the bench has been crucial to Dortmund’s success, and his ability to create chances and find the back of the net has been nothing short of impressive.
With each game, Gittens is proving that he has what it takes to become Dortmund’s next English star. As he continues to develop and showcase his talent, it won’t be long before he becomes a household name in English football. Keep an eye on Jamie Gittens – he’s a player on the rise.