Despite a mixed first half of the season, there were still glimmers of hope at Borussia Dortmund. Jamie Gittens was one of these.
Those responsible at Dortmund were already aware that Jamie Gittens could be an exceptional talent when they brought the young Englishman from Manchester City’s youth academy to BVB in 2020. The parallels between Gittens and Jadon Sancho were obvious, as both were born in London, completed at least part of their training at City and are wingers. However, compared to former BVB star Sancho, Gittens is a classic dribbler on the wing.
With his one-on-one qualities, the now 20-year-old continued to stand out positively during the first phase of the season. That’s even an understatement. On several occasions it was Gittens who helped an offensively harmless BVB immensely through individual actions on the left wing. One remembers dream goals like the one against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga classic at the end of November. His pace, his explosiveness in duels with full-backs and his constantly improving finishing skills make Gittens a difference player.
From a purely statistical perspective, Gittens already performed very well in the previous season in terms of his offensive productivity and his dribbling success. The change in perception towards 2022 and 2023 also comes from the fact that the Englishman can now play games for a while at a time and is not slowed down by injuries. Gittens is now a constant in the Dortmund game.
What is still negative about the 14 scorer points and 37 shot participations this season are Gittens’ weaknesses in pressing and his vulnerability in the slower ball possession game, when it is more about precision and the right weighting of the passes than pure speed. In general, the Englishman is not a natural ball possession player, but rather one for transition moments when there is enough space around him. However, that doesn’t mean that he can’t create big moments in the final third of the pitch against massive defensive lines.
It is not without reason that FC Bayern is also interested in Dortmund’s new wing star. Transfers between the two clubs – especially those from Dortmund to Munich – have become a rarity in recent years. However, there are signs of changes on the flanks at Bayern. As of now, Leroy Sané’s contract expires at the end of the season. What happens next with Kingsley Coman is a topic of discussion almost every year.
In addition to the Spanish dribbling artist Nico Williams from Athletic Club in Bilbao, Gittens should also be high on FC Bayern’s list. Dortmund is reportedly demanding 100 million euros for Gittens. After Michael Olise last summer, they would probably like to bring in top-class reinforcements for the wings after the current season. It remains to be seen whether Gittens really fits Bayern coach Vincent Kompany’s possession-heavy and sometimes very methodical playing system. In terms of his disposition, not so much, but Gittens is still young enough to take the tactical development steps.
It may not be surprising that there is interest from England at the same time, as the top clubs in the Premier League are only too keen to bring “prodigal sons” back home. Among other things, Liverpool scouts are supposed to study Gittens in detail. Mohamed Salah’s future is uncertain at the “Reds” – and at the same time they have a healthy appetite when it comes to explosive wing players. In Arne Slot’s system, Jürgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool, there is a place for at least one wide-positioned winger. That could suit Gittens.
But given the aforementioned weaknesses in pressing and passing, Gittens should also consider staying at BVB and developing further without the pressure that comes with a high transfer fee. It certainly wouldn’t hurt the Dortmund starter in his current situation.