Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press and quick transitions in a 4-5-1. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move quickly through the thirds to catch opponents off guard. The team looks to squeeze the space in the middle while staying ready to strike on the break through direct vertical play.

Kobel stands between the posts, using his shot-stopping ability to keep the team in the game. The back four features Ryerson at right back and Maatsen at left back to provide width and cover the flanks. In the middle, Schlotterbeck and Hummels form a central pair where Hummels uses his passing range to start attacks and Schlotterbeck provides cover. The defensive unit works together to maintain a high line and force the opposition into wide areas.

The midfield operates as a five man unit to control the center of the pitch. Can and Sabitzer form a double pivot to shield the defense and win the second ball. Sabitzer works to drive forward with the ball and break the lines. Brandt plays in a central role to connect the defensive and attacking lines, using his vision to find passes and find teammates in tight spaces. Sancho and Adeyemi operate in the half spaces, with Sancho looking to cut inside and Adeyemi using his pace to drive forward.

Fullkrug leads the line as a lone striker and target man to hold up the ball and win headers. The attack relies on the movement of the midfielders to support him. Sancho and Adeyemi act as wide attackers who move into central areas to create numbers. When the team wins the ball, they look to hit in behind on the transition, using the speed of Adeyemi and the link up play of Brandt to find Fullkrug. The width comes from the full backs overlapping the wingers to deliver crosses.

A major strength for BVB is the ability to press high in coordinated waves with the midfield and front line to force a long ball. The team also benefits from the speed of transition, moving from a defensive block to an attacking stance very quickly. The presence of Hummels allows the team to play short from the back to progress through the thirds and control the tempo.

This 4-5-1 formation provides a hard unit to break down while staying dangerous on the counter. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their defense.