Jamie Gittens: Chelsea’s Next Dazzling Talent or a Work in Progress?
SME News UK. Chelsea have wasted no time making waves in the summer transfer window, and their latest pursuit signals a continuation of their youth-focused strategy. The Blues are closing in on Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, a 20-year-old talent hailed by some as “a young Ousmane Dembélé.” But is the hype justified—and what exactly can this electrifying winger offer Stamford Bridge? A Dortmund Gem in the MakingLike Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham before him, Gittens took the road less traveled, swapping Manchester City’s academy for Borussia Dortmund’s development system in Germany. The move paid dividends. Since breaking into the Dortmund first team, Gittens has blossomed into a dynamic attacker, combining blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and an eye for goal.He finished the 2023/24 season with 14 goals, a tally surpassed only by Noni Madueke among Chelsea’s current crop of wide forwards. And yet, even that return feels slightly conservative. A managerial shake-up mid-season at Dortmund saw Niko Kovac’s arrival and a tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 system—one that didn’t favor Gittens’ natural game on the left wing. Relegated to the bench or shuffled into narrower roles, he found the net just once from January to May.A move to west London, then, represents not only a step up but a clean slate. Maresca’s Vision: Unlocking the NightmareUnder new boss Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are focused on flair and attacking verve—qualities Gittens has in abundance. Known for his ability to glide past defenders in one-on-one situations, the Englishman is a *nightmare to defend, averaging 3.7 successful dribbles per 90 minutes—a better rate than even Dembélé’s 2.7 over the same period.His highlight-reel goal against Club Brugge in the Champions League last season showcased his trademark: a swift, weaving run past multiple defenders before a composed finish. Gittens a
