Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- G. Kobel
26- J. Ryerson
3- W. Anton*
4- N. Schlotterbeck
15- M. Mittelstadt*
23- E. Can
7- M. Beier*
10- J. Sancho
20- M. Sabitzer
19- J. Brandt
14- N. Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund aims to play with high intensity and verticality using a 4-2-4. This formation is built to hunt for the ball high up the pitch and transition into attack with extreme speed. The lineup focuses on overwhelming the opponent in the final third through constant pressure and rapid forward movements.

G. Kobel stays between the posts to anchor the defense. The back line operates as a flat back four. N. Schlotterbeck acts as a ball playing defender while W. Anton provides aerial strength to defend crosses. J. Ryerson and M. Mittelstadt occupy the wide areas to protect the flanks. This unit must stay compact to prevent runners from finding space behind them while they defend zonally.

The midfield utilizes a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. E. Can acts as the anchor to shield the defense and win the second ball. Beside him, M. Sabitzer functions as a carrier to drive forward with the ball. These two players work to connect the defensive line to the attack by recycling possession and breaking the line with direct passing. They must work hard to cover the space left behind when the forwards press.

Borussia Dortmund employs four attackers to stretch the opposition. N. Fullkrug acts as a target man to hold up the ball and provide a focal point. J. Brandt plays as a second striker in the hole to find space between the lines. On the wings, J. Sancho and M. Beier act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. This attacking unit focuses on making runs in behind and using quick combinations to split the defense.

This formation offers clear tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The heavy presence of four attackers allows the team to pin the last defender and force a long ball from the opponent. There is also a high level of speed of transition when the midfield recovers the ball. By pushing numbers forward, the team creates constant pressure in the opposition box.

The 4-2-4 lineup is designed for high pressing and quick, direct attacking. It is best suited for matches where the team wants to dominate the opponent through offensive intensity and rapid transitions.