Jamie Gittens has just had one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt since joining the Blues in the summer.
He helped Enzo Maresca’s side to beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday, setting up Pedro Neto’s opening goal.
Gittens has been criticised this season, but the winger was brilliant against Scott Parker’s men.
Following Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United and Mykhailo Mudryk’s ban, Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho were brought in to strengthen Chelsea’s left side. They have both done that.
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Jamie Gittens will be an upgrade on Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
All things considered, Gittens has the potential to become a better player and signing than Sancho.
They are both capable dribblers, but the former is the superior one. According to FBref, Gittens has completed 5.34 progressive carries and 2.98 successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, while Sancho has completed 5.12 and 2.09, respectively.
Gittens’ assist against Burnley means he is already just three behind Sancho’s tally in the Premier League last season.
Who was your player of the match vs Burnley?
He is also four years Sancho’s junior. With the Aston Villa loanee now 25 and yet to fulfil his potential, you can easily see Gittens overtaking him.
Right now, Enzo Maresca is happy with Gittens and Garnacho, who are proving to be upgrades on both Sancho and Mudryk.
Jamie Gittens’ assist record this season
Gittens has been in and out of the Chelsea team since arriving from Borussia Dortmund. Even so, his assist at Turf Moor was his fourth of the campaign.
It means no Chelsea player has actually managed to record more assists than the England Under-21 international.
Given that Gittens has been a bit-part player under Maresca so far, the above is very encouraging.
He also looks capable of scoring. Gittens bagged a sensational goal in Chelsea’s 4-3 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.
Gittens is not the finished article, but Chelsea can be satisfied with their purchase of him.
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