Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

N.Fullkrug · F.Nmecha · J.Brandt · D.Malen · M.Reus · E.Can · J.Ryerson · N.Schlotterbeck · M.Hummels · M.Wolf · G.Kobel

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a compact mid-block and quick transitions through a 4-5-1. This lineup works to control the central areas while waiting to hit the opponent on the break. The team looks to win the ball in the middle third and use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition.

G.Kobel stays between the posts to command the area and sweep behind a high line when necessary. The back four features M.Hummels as a ball playing defender who can pass out from the back with precision. N.Schlotterbeck plays alongside him to provide aerial strength and cover the space behind. J.Ryerson acts as an attacking full back to provide width, while M.Wolf holds the line to ensure the defense stays solid.

A central three-man midfield provides the engine for Borussia Dortmund. E.Can sits deep to shield the defense and recycle possession, acting as a single pivot. F.Nmecha and M.Reus play as inverted eights to connect the defensive and attacking lines. M.Reus uses his passing range to find teammates, while F.Nmecha looks to carry the ball forward into the half spaces.

The attacking unit relies on a lone striker, N.Fullkrug, who serves as a target man to hold up the ball. D.Malen and J.Brandt operate as wide players to create goalscoring chances. D.Malen often cuts inside to shoot or create, while J.Brandt looks to find pockets of space between the lines. The wingers press the opposition back line to force turnovers, allowing N.Fullkrug to attack the near post or far post during crosses.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as a high degree of compactness when defending in a mid-block. The team can create wide overloads when J.Ryerson and D.Malen push up together. Dortmund also benefits from a high speed of transition, moving the ball quickly from the central midfield to the forwards to exploit gaps.

The 4-5-1 is a disciplined formation built for teams that want to defend centrally and strike on the break. It is best suited for matches against dominant sides where sitting deep and hitting in behind is necessary.