Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel 1 · Schlotterbeck 4 · Sule 24 · Ryerson 26 · Bensebaini 5 · Can 23 · Sabitzer 20 · Brandt 10 · Malen 21 · Adeyemi 27 · Guirassy 9

Borussia Dortmund aims to dominate through high intensity and verticality, employing a 4-2-4 formation. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the opposition instantly. This lineup is built to play a high press game, looking to squeeze the space and force turnovers in the final third.

Kobel acts as the last line of defense, commanding his area. The back line is a flat four featuring Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, Sule, and Ryerson. Sule provides aerial strength in the center, while Schlotterbeck looks to step up and intercept passes or sweep behind the line. Bensebaini and Ryerson act as wide defenders who must balance pushing up to overlap with the need to track back and cover the wide areas. The unit holds a high line to keep the distance between the lines small.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center. Can sits in front of the defense to shield the back four and pick up runners. Sabitzer plays alongside him, using his passing range to progress through the thirds and link the defense to the attack. Sabitzer carries the ball forward into the half-spaces, while Can works to win the second ball and recycle possession. They act as the engine that allows the front four to stay high.

The front line is composed of four attackers: Adeyemi, Malen, Brandt, and Guirassy. Adeyemi and Malen operate as wide attackers who look to cut inside and stretch the defence. Adeyemi relies on his pace to hit in behind, while Malen tries to get to the byline to deliver early crosses. In the middle, Guirassy works to hold up the ball and win the header, creating space for Brandt. Brandt operates in the pocket, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines to the wingers or arrive late into the box.

One major advantage is the ability to press in coordinated waves, using the four forwards to trigger a press from the front. This creates massive pressure on the opposition goalkeeper and defenders. Another strength is the speed of transition, allowing the team to break quickly and exploit space before the opponent can reset. The formation also allows for wide overloads when the full backs join the attack.

The 4-2-4 formation makes Borussia Dortmund a terrifying side in transition. It is most effective against teams that play a slow build up and struggle to bypass a heavy high press.