While many supporters may be concentrating on HARRY KANE when the intense German football rivalry resumes on Saturday night,

for Borussia Dortmund aficionados, Jamie Gittens is the player who truly merits the attention.

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The 20-year-old winger from Reading joined Manchester City at 17 before moving to Dortmund in 2020, following the paths of Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.

Currently, he plays a vital role in new coach Nuri Sahin’s squad, having netted four goals in the Champions League this season, including one against Real Madrid and an incredible goal against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Dortmund legend Karl-Heinz Riedle is confident Gittens can shine in the upcoming Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.

The ex-Liverpool striker, aged 59, commented: “Jamie isn’t fully refined yet into what we expect from a world-class talent, but he has all the abilities to reach that standard.

“He can follow in the footsteps of Sancho, Haaland, or Bellingham.

“He is tremendously swift, thrives in one-on-one encounters, and has an eye for goal.

“I observe a young player equipped with the complete skill set, who is also committed to self-improvement.

“That growth comes with experience; the more games you play, the more you evolve, refining your judgment and performance overall.

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“What’s essential is to be swift and fearless in taking on defenders in one-on-one situations. That’s what we wish to see.

“It’s similar to how Sancho and Haaland attracted fans to the stadium.

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“Supporters were eager to witness their performances, and that potential exists within Jamie as well.”

Gittens, who opted to drop the “Bynoe” from his hyphenated surname at the beginning of the season, has played for every England youth team from Under-15 to U21.

He even celebrated victory at the 2022 European U19 Championship.

His current goal is to break into the senior team — and Thomas Tuchel’s recent appointment as the new England manager could expedite his progress.

Riedle believes Gittens won’t be the last young English talent to see Dortmund as a stepping stone for their career.

He stated: “Dortmund feels welcoming. Players recognize we provide everything necessary for them to become the best versions of themselves.

“Here, they can perform at the highest level with potentially less pressure compared to English clubs like Manchester United and City.

“We allow time for them to evolve into extraordinary talents.

“Jamie has tremendous potential and can leave an even greater mark than Jude and Jadon before him.”

Striker Kane has netted 50 Bundesliga goals in just 43 games — a record-breaking pace.

Despite this remarkable start and Bayern remaining unbeaten in the league, the England captain faced criticism from former Bayern and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who asserted he struggles to score in “big” matches.

Riedle believes Hamann’s remarks are baseless.

He remarked: “Didi criticized him even though he scored plenty last year — I completely disagree with that.

“Harry is an exceptional finisher and an incredible player.

“No athlete can find the net in every game or convert every chance. He has performed excellently for Munich and is outstanding.

“His passion is football. He loves the sport, is incredibly modest, and strives for success.”

• KARL-HEINZ RIEDLE was speaking to honor the ten-year anniversary of Borussia Dortmund’s longstanding collaboration in Singapore.

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