Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel (G 5.0) · Schlotterbeck / Sule (D 5.0 / D 5.0) · Anton (D 4.5) · Ryerson / Couto (D 5.0 / D 4.0) · Bensebaini (D 4.5) · Can (D 5.0) · Gross (M 6.5) · Brandt (M 7.5) · Malen / Sabitzer (F 7.0 / M 6.0) · Adeyemi / Bynoe-Gittens (M 7.0 / M 5.0) · Guirassy / Beier (F 7.5 / F 6.5)

Borussia Dortmund seeks to overwhelm opponents through high intensity and verticality in a 4-2-4. This lineup is built to play a heavy pressing game that aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly. By stretching the pitch, the team creates space for direct attacks and relies on the speed of its front four to exploit any gaps left in the opposition defensive line.

Kobel acts as the last line of defense, providing a reliable presence between the posts. The back four operates as a flat line, with Bensebaini providing width at left back and Ryerson or Couto holding the right flank. In the middle, Schlotterbeck or Sule serve as ball playing defenders who can step up to intercept play, while Anton provides cover and aerial strength. This unit works to squeeze the space when the team pushes high, often relying on Kobel to sweep behind the defenders if a long ball is played.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to provide a platform for the attack. Can sits in the middle to shield the defense, using his positional sense to cut off passing lanes and win the second ball. Beside him, Gross acts as a carrier who can progress through the thirds and connect the defense to the front line. This pair must remain disciplined to prevent being bypassed, ensuring the team does not become too vulnerable during transitions.

In the attacking phase, Borussia Dortmund uses four players across the front to pin the last defender. Guirassy or Beier acts as a central presence to hold up the ball and find the feet of the striker, while Brandt plays as a second striker in the hole to link play. On the flanks, Adeyemi or Bynoe-Gittens provides extreme pace on the left, and Malen or Sabitzer can cut inside from the right. The goal is to use these wide threats to stretch the defense before delivering a cross or playing a through ball.

One major advantage for this Dortmund side is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, forcing opponents into mistakes near their own goal. The formation also offers significant speed of transition, allowing the team to move from a defensive block to an attacking threat in seconds. By using two wide attackers and two central threats, they can create many one on one situations for their most clinical players.

This 4-2-4 formation is a high risk, high reward setup designed for aggressive attacking football. It is best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block or catch an opponent on the break.