Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

G. Kobel (1) · J. Ryerson (26) · W. Anton (3) · N. Schlotterbeck (4) · T. Rothe (36) · E. Can (23) · M. Sabitzer (20) · D. Malen (21) · J. Brandt (10) · J. Bynoe-Gittens (43) · S. Guirassy

Borussia Dortmund aims to play a defensive, counter attacking style of football through a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup focuses on remaining compact to frustrate the opponent before hitting them on the break. The goal is to absorb pressure and use the verticality of the transition to catch the opposition out of position.

G. Kobel acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit sits in a deep block consisting of three central defenders and two wing backs. E. Can holds the middle of the back line to provide strength and leadership. N. Schlotterbeck and W. Anton operate as the side center backs, with Schlotterbeck often stepping up to intercept passes. J. Ryerson and T. Rothe act as wing backs who must track back to defend the flanks but also push up to provide width during attacks.

The midfield operates as a flat four to protect the central areas. M. Sabitzer sits in front of the back five to shield the defense and win the second ball. J. Brandt connects the defensive and attacking lines by receiving the ball and looking to play through the lines. D. Malen and J. Bynoe-Gittens occupy the remaining central roles, with both players expected to press the opposition and carry the ball forward into space. This group works to squeeze the space between the lines to prevent the opponent from playing between the midfield and defense.

Borussia Dortmund employs a lone striker in S. Guirassy to lead the line. Guirassy acts as a target man who can hold up the ball to allow the midfield to move up the pitch. The attack relies on the wing backs and the wide midfielders to provide service. When the team wins the ball, the wingers and wing backs look to run in behind or deliver crosses to find the striker. The movement is designed to create quick combinations to exploit the space left by an advancing opponent.

One major advantage of this 5-4-1 formation is the compactness when defending in a low block. By having five defenders and four midfielders, the team makes it very difficult for opponents to find gaps in the center. Another strength is the ability to use the wing backs to create wide overloads during a fast transition. This helps the team shift from a defensive stance to an attacking one with speed.

This formation provides Borussia Dortmund with a very solid base to absorb pressure and strike on the break. It is most effective against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high defensive line.