English star Jamie Gittens now flourishing in Champions League since Man City exit

Jamie Gittens is making a name for himself in the world of club football after departing the Manchester City academy.

The English winger made a significant impact when he came on as a substitute to score two late goals for Borussia Dortmund in their 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday (September 18). His impressive performance earned him the man of the match award.

Born in 2004, the 20-year-old joined the German giants four years ago after a two-year stint at Man City's academy. His time in Manchester didn't last long as he decided to opt for a change in scenery in 2020 to join Borussia Dortmund, following in the footsteps of ex-Man City youth product Jadon Sancho who made the identical move three years prior.

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His extensive academy career began with his local side Caversham Trents before making the move to Reading. The London-born player, whose full name is Jamie Jermaine Bynoe-Gittens, enjoyed a brief spell at Chelsea but chose not to accept the Premier League club's offer to continue his development there.

Instead, he opted to stay at Under-9s level with Reading - where he grew up - as he remained at the club for the next five years, reports the Mirror. After staying with Reading until Under-14s level, Gittens then began his two-year stint with City.

Perhaps uncertain with a lack of a pathway into Pep Guardiola's side with the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, and Phil Foden on the flanks, Gittens' 2020 move to Germany saw him make his first-team debut at the tender age of 18 in 2022 and has since grown from strength to strength.

Echoing Jadon Sancho's earlier path from Manchester to Germany, the winger has certainly not regretted his move in search of first-team football. Since joining Borussia Dortmund, he's had an impressive start to his career with 63 matches, netting nine goals and eight assists.

His standout performance was certainly his double against Club Brugge, but it wasn't his first goal in the competition as that came in Dortmund's 3-1 win at AC Milan in November that ensured the team's progression to the knockouts.

Gittens even experienced a Champions League final last season, featuring for three minutes in Dortmund's 2-0 loss to Real Madrid.

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Rising swiftly through England's youth system, Gittens has become a key player for the U21s, amassing seven caps and one goal since last year. Under the guidance of current interim England manager Lee Carsley, a senior call-up seems increasingly likely for the young talent.

Following his Champions League brace, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock lavished praise on Gittens during BBC's Champions League Match of the Day: "Electric, the speed he has, the movement of the hips, as a defender it is your worst nightmare. You can't get anywhere near him, such is the speed of feet."