A number of Chelsea players put in brilliant performances in their Champions League victory over Ajax, however Dutch media were particularly impressed by one individual at Stamford Bridge.
A record-breaking night in West London saw Enzo Maresca’s decision to heavily rotate his attack pay off, as Marc Guiu, Estevao Willian and Tyrique George all found the net.
Things were made a lot easier for the Blues when Kenneth Taylor was sent off early in the first half, as the red card epidemic at Stamford Bridge finally hit an opposition side.
The Chelsea players were handed the chance to express themselves more on the ball, and this was beneficial for Jamie Gittens as he looks to get his career at the club kickstarted.
Chelsea FC v AFC Ajax - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The £52m signing has struggled since his move from Borussia Dortmund, however picked up an assist in the 5-1 thrashing of Ajax.
Dutch media admitted that right-back Lucas Rosa simply couldn’t deal with the pace and trickery of the Chelsea winger
Voetbal Primeur said: “Lucas Rosa was preferred over Anton Gaaei, but the right-back struggled with Jamie Gittens. The Chelsea forward easily sped past him on several occasions.”
The Englishman is facing a battle with Alejandro Garnacho for a regular place in the starting side, however will feel as if his performance put forward a good case to start against Sunderland on Saturday.
Jamie Gittens poses with Player of the Match award after Chelsea vs Ajax
Photo by Dan Mullan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Jamie Gittens stats vs Ajax
As well as the assist, Gittens also created five chances in total, becoming the youngest Chelsea player to reach this tally.
Jamie Gittens vs Ajax Total
Minutes 90
Assists 1
Chances Created 5
Shots 2
Successful Dribbles 3
Accurate Crosses 2
The signing of Gittens has been criticised after his start to life at Stamford Bridge, however the Champions League is a competition where he put in some of his better performances for his former side too.
With Estevao already off to a great start to life at the club, there is pressure on the other wingers to keep up with him, and Gittens’ showing against Ajax is certainly a good start to doing just that.