After scoring two memorable goals in Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga opener win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Jamie Gittens said studying world greats such as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior has helped the 20-year-old improve his game.
The England Under-21 international came on as a substitute for Karim Adeyemi just before the hour mark as Dortmund struggled to break down a stubborn Eintracht defence at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday night.
But Gittens scored a stunning goal with 18 minutes remaining, evading his marker multiple times to slot a looping shot into the far post and then running off to score in added time to seal the game and ensure BVB's opening win streak reached 10 in new coach Nuri Sahin's first Bundesliga game in charge.
clock: Gittens scores twice as Dortmund win
“It was a good day, it was a tough game but they played really well,” Gittens said. Bundesliga Speaking after his match-winning performance, he said: “They were defending with a back five so it was really difficult to get through but in the end we did it so I'm happy.”
Gittens scored two goals, doubling his tally in Bundesliga goals for the 2023/24 season. He said watching footage of the sport's giants has helped him hone his technique in front of goal. “I watch a lot of footage of players like Vini Junior and Mpbappe,” the 20-year-old said. “When they get into a good position they score goals or score themselves. Even if they lose the ball sometimes, they don't worry about it and carry on playing. (I'm also) trying to play more maturely and not do anything stupid. I have a better understanding of when to attack with the ball and when not to.”
clock: Gittens happy with winning start
The former Manchester City youth player, now in his fourth season with Dortmund, admitted he was a little emotional when he scored two goals in front of the world-famous Yellow Wall at the Black and Yellows' home ground. “It was my first time (scoring and celebrating) in front of the Yellow Wall so I got goosebumps,” Gittens said. “I was a bit embarrassed at first but it's a really good feeling.”
Gittens, who recently dropped the “Byno” part from his name, said he enjoys hearing his name over the stadium speakers. “I just shortened it so that it's easier for everyone to say,” Gittens explained. “I heard it out loud today and it sounds good! I want to keep performing like I did today, score more goals, make more assists. That's my job with the team.” And what about the near future? “I'm working on things every day in training. Of course, I want to play more games. Whether that's on the bench or starting, it doesn't matter. It's important to play more games and get more rhythm.”
clock: Gittens gets goosebumps in front of the Yellow Wall
Gittens will be hoping this form continues in Dortmund's next game, when they take on Werder Bremen in the second Bundesliga match next weekend.