Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

KOBEL · SCHLOTTERBECK · ANTON · BENSEBAINI · RYERSON · EMRE ÇAN · SABITZER · BRANDT · ADEYEMI · MALEN · FÜLLKRUG

Borussia Dortmund plays a highly vertical style of football using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is designed to pin the opposition deep and win the ball back high up the pitch to exploit transitions. The team aims to stretch the defence by using the full width of the pitch while maintaining a heavy presence in the final third.

Kobel guards the goal, acting as a shot stopper to protect the back line. The defense operates in a flat back four. Anton and Schlotterbeck form the central pair, with Schlotterbeck using his ball playing ability to progress through the thirds. Bensebaini acts as an attacking full back to provide width, while Ryerson covers the defensive side to prevent runners from getting behind. This unit tries to keep the lines close together to squeeze the space and deny the turn of opposing players.

In the center, the team uses a double pivot consisting of Emre Çan and Sabitzer. Sabitzer uses his passing range to switch play, while Emre Çan works to shield the defense and win the second ball. They act as the link between the defenders and the four attackers. The two midfielders must work hard to cover the gaps left by the advanced wingers and prevent counter attacks by tracking back when needed.

The attacking line is very aggressive, featuring a target man in Füllkrug to hold up the ball and win headers. Brandt plays as a second striker in the hole to link the midfield and attack. Adeyemi and Malen act as inverted wingers who cut inside to attack the near post or far post. This formation creates many runs in behind and allows the forwards to combine in tight spaces. The wingers also help to trigger a press from the front to win it back high up the pitch.

A major strength of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. With four attackers, Borussia Dortmund can easily pin the last defender and force a long ball. Another advantage is the speed of transition, especially when Adeyemi and Malen find space to run at the defense. This creates numerical superiority in the final third and allows the team to hit in behind on the transition.

This 4-2-4 lineup relies on intense pressing and quick vertical passing. It is most effective when facing opponents who struggle to play out from the back or those who leave space behind their defensive line.