Jude Bellingham is not the only English star Chelsea need to worry about in Germany tonight.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is pushing to start for Borussia Dortmund, who believe the 18-year-old winger is the next big thing.
He is shining in the Bundesliga and is set to feature after scoring within seconds of coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Bynoe-Gittens is following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Bellingham. He was in the academies of both Reading and Chelsea as a youngster and, after two years at Manchester City, left England to move to Dortmund in 2020.
Now, Bynoe-Gittens will pose a real threat to the Blues in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
“I am excited to play Chelsea as an Englishman,” he tells Standard Sport. “It will be a good experience.
“Seeing Jadon and Jude playing for Dortmund at 17 and 18 consistently and in big games was eye-opening for me. It showed me I can make an impact on the biggest stage even when I am young.
“To be playing in this team is so good for me because I learn from all these top players every day such as Marco Reus, Jude and everyone. To be playing and scoring goals is amazing for me. It’s great to be trusted at such a young age. It really benefits my development.”
Bynoe-Gittens made a good start to the season but missed four months due to a shoulder injury. Since returning, the England youth international has featured regularly for Dortmund.
“It was risky [to leave England] but I have learned many things by coming to Germany,” says Bynoe-Gittens, who can play on either flank. “If I stayed, I wouldn’t have learned as much.
“To be playing these top teams on the biggest stage is really big for me, and it vindicates my decision to move to Germany. I just want to be out there playing.”
Bynoe-Gittens is learning while in a title race at the Bundesliga giants.
He says: "I have adapted well to Germany now and he and the whole squad are helping me both on and off the pitch.”
Chelsea face a tough test against an in-form Dortmund side on a six-game winning run since the World Cup.
Bynoe-Gittens adds: “Few players get the chance to play at this level at such a young age. We want to win in front of our loud and huge crowd.”
