Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sabitzer (Reyna) · Groß (Can) · Brandt (Malen) · Kobel · Bensebaini (Ryerson) · Schlotterbeck (Coulibaly) · Süle (Anton) · Guirassy (Haller) · Adeyemi (Moukoko) · Y.Couto (B.Gittens) · Özcan (Nmecha)

Borussia Dortmund plays with a high press and vertical identity in this 4-4-2. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and move forward immediately to catch the opposition off balance. This formation is built to play a direct style of football that focuses on rapid transitions and quick vertical passing.

Kobel acts as the last line of defense to sweep behind the back four. The defensive unit functions with a flat back four where Bensebaini and Y.Couto look to overlap the wingers to provide width. In the center, Süle uses his aerial strength to win headers and Schlotterbeck plays as a ball playing defender to help progress through the thirds. The back line stays compact to deny the turn to opposing attackers and shift as a unit to cover the flanks.

The midfield works to control the center of the pitch. Groß sits in front of the defense as a single pivot to shield the back four and win the second ball. Sabitzer and Özcan work to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces to connect the defense to the attack. Brandt operates in the space between the lines to create chances and arrive late into the box. This group works to squeeze the space and prevent the opponent from playing through the lines.

The forwards operate in a partnership to pull the opposition wide. Guirassy plays as a target man to hold up the ball and link up play with the midfield. Adeyemi uses his extreme pace to make runs in behind and exploit the space left by the opposition high line. They press in pairs from the front to force a long ball and regain possession quickly. The attackers look to break the line with through balls or use combinations in tight spaces to find an opening.

One major strength of this lineup is the speed of transition when BVB wins the ball. The team can quickly shift from a defensive block to an attacking phase using the passing range of the midfielders. Another advantage is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs push up to support the attackers. The compactness makes it difficult for opponents to find passing lanes through the center.

This 4-4-2 is a high energy formation built for aggressive pressing and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for games against teams that play with a high defensive line and struggle to defend space in behind.