Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Jayden (Sancho) · Brandt · Harzard · Haaland · Can · Witsel · Guerreiro · Akanji · Meneuir · Piszcezk · Burki

Borussia Dortmund aim to play a very vertical style of football with this 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to hit teams on the break and use extreme speed to exploit gaps in the opposition back line. The intention is to win the ball and immediately look to find the forwards in space.

Burki stays between the posts to manage the defensive line from deep. The back four operates as a flat line where Meneuir acts as the right back to provide width and Piszcezk covers the right side. Akanji serves as a ball playing defender with great composure to play out from the back, while Guerreiro operates as the left back. This unit must hold the line and stay compact to prevent being caught in transition when the team pushes high up the pitch.

The midfield consists of a double pivot designed to control the center of the pitch. Witsel works to recycle possession and connect the defense to the attack with his passing range. Alongside him, Can acts as the defensive anchor to shield the back four and win the second ball. This pair must be disciplined to avoid leaving too much space between the lines, especially when the team loses possession in the attacking third.

The attacking front line is extremely aggressive with four players pushing high. Brandt and Haaland work as a central partnership where Haaland uses his immense strength and pace to pin the last defender. Harzard and Jayden act as wide wingers who look to cut inside and create chaos in the half spaces. These forwards press from the front to force a long ball and create chances through quick combinations in the final third.

Borussia Dortmund gain a significant advantage through their ability to hit in behind on the transition. By using four attackers, they create immediate pressure on the opposition defenders and can isolate wide players in one on one situations. The speed of the players in the front four allows for quick attacks that can catch a mid-block off guard.

This 4-2-4 formation is built for high speed attacking and verticality. It is best suited for matches where the opponent sits deep and can be broken apart with rapid movement.