Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

WEIDENFELLER · HUMMELS · SUBOTIC · SCHMELZER · PISZCZEK · GÜNDOGAN · BENDER · LEWANDOWSKI · GÖTZE · REUS · BLASZCZYKOWSKI

Borussia Dortmund relies on a high intensity and vertical style of play through a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup seeks to stretch the opposition by utilizing extreme width and a heavy presence in the final third. The team aims to win the ball high up the pitch and use quick transitions to punish opponents before they can get organized.

WEIDENFELLER sits between the posts to command the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four with PISZCZEK and SCHMELZER acting as full backs who can push forward to support the flanks. In the center, HUMMELS acts as a ball playing defender with a high passing range to start attacks, while SUBOTIC provides cover and aerial strength. This defensive unit must hold a high line to keep the distances between players small.

The midfield functions as a double pivot tasked with controlling the center of the pitch. BENDER acts as the primary shield for the defense, using his tenacity to intercept passes and win the second ball. GÜNDOGAN works alongside him to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often receiving the ball to play through the lines and move the play forward. This duo must work hard to cover the space left behind when the wide players move up the pitch.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund uses a front four to pin the last defender. LEWANDOWSKI operates as a clinical presence in the center, often looking to run in behind or hold up the ball for others. GÖTZE plays as a second striker in the hole, looking to find the feet of the striker or make runs into the box. REUS and BLASZCZYKOWSKI act as wide wingers who hug the touchline to provide width, creating space in the middle for the central attackers to exploit.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of the full backs and wingers. The heavy front four also allows the team to press in pairs, making it difficult for the opponent to play out from the back. This creates high pressure and frequent chances to hit in behind on the transition.

This 4-2-4 formation is designed for aggressive attacking and high pressing. It is most effective against teams that play a high line or struggle to manage quick transitions.