This game-changing goal in Zagreb was not a one-off. Earlier in the Champions League, Dortmund were struggling away to Club Brugge, the scoreline still blank with 15 minutes remaining.
But Gittens inspired another 3-0 away win, this time with two goals. The first was a deflected strike, but the second was another piece of individual brilliance involving the right-footed winger cutting inside from the left.
This knack for important strikes also extends to his domestic form, with two late goals earning a 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in August.
Gittens’ primary role is on the left wing, and that has been a problem role for England, with nobody making the position their own.
Phil Foden played there during Euro 2024, then Anthony Gordon was Lee Carsley’s primary choice during the Nations League campaign, with Jack Grealish also selected, but Gittens is a natural who is playing there regularly for a side currently fourth in the 36-team Champions League table.
This has been a season in which a young man has been finding his identity – not least in shortening his name from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens at the suggestion of his father.
After being a bit-part player last season with just three Dortmund goals, Gittens has seven in 18 matches so far in 2024-25 and has played some part in all of their competitive matches this campaign.
Bellingham became a world star at Dortmund. Gittens is not there yet, but he is marking our cards as a player who could yet follow suit.
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