Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

N.Fullkrug · J.B-Gittens · M.Reus · D.Malen · M.Sabitzer · E.Can · I.Maatsen · N.Schlotterbeck · M.Hummels · J.Ryerson · G.Kobel

Borussia Dortmund aims to play a high pressing, vertical game using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup focuses on heavy pressure in the final third and rapid transitions to catch opponents off guard. By committing many players forward, the team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition.

G.Kobel acts as the last line of defense, often playing a sweeping role behind a high defensive line. The back four consists of a flat line where J.Ryerson and I.Maatsen provide width. Ryerson acts as a defensive wing back to secure the flank, while Maatsen can push higher to support the attack. In the center, M.Hummels uses his passing range to play out from the back, while N.Schlotterbeck provides cover and aggression to intercept passes. The unit works to squeeze the space and maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to connect the defense and attack. Emre Can works to shield the defense and break up play, while Marcel Sabitzer acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball. Sabitzer uses his ability to pass through the lines to move the ball into the attacking third. This pair must work hard to cover the spaces left behind when the full backs push up, ensuring the team does not get caught on the counter.

In the attacking phase, Borussia Dortmund uses four players to stretch the opposition. D.Malen and J.B-Gittens operate as wide wingers, with Malen looking to cut inside and Gittens looking to beat his man. In the center, Niclas Fullkrug acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win headers, while Marco Reus plays as a second striker in the hole to link play. This front four is designed to press the opposition back line and create runs in behind through quick combinations.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By having four players near the opponent's goal, Dortmund can trigger a press effectively to win the ball back high up the pitch. Additionally, the presence of Fullkrug allows for direct play, creating wide overloads when the wingers and full backs combine to pull the defense apart.

The 4-2-4 formation makes Borussia Dortmund a dangerous side for teams that struggle to play out from the back. It is a high risk, high reward lineup best suited for chasing a game or dominating an opponent through intense pressure.