Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Grimaldo 3 · Wirtz 10 · Kobel 1 · Schlotterbeck 4 · Højlund 9 · Livramento 2 · Gündoğan 8 · Marmoush 11 · Xhaka 34 · Hummels 5 (C) · Sancho 7

Borussia Dortmund aims to play a high intensity, direct game with a heavy focus on offensive output. The team uses a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to overwhelm opponents with numbers in the final third and hit them quickly during transitions to keep the opposition under constant pressure.

Kobel stays between the posts to command the area and organize the back line. The defenders operate as a flat back four. Hummels 5 (C) acts as a ball playing defender with a great passing range to start attacks from deep, while Schlotterbeck provides cover alongside him to maintain the line. Grimaldo plays as an attacking full back to provide width and join the attack, whereas Livramento covers the right side to ensure defensive balance. The whole unit must stay compact and hold the line to prevent being caught out when the forwards press high.

The team relies on a double pivot to manage the center of the pitch. Xhaka works as a deep lying playmaker to control the tempo and recycle possession, using his passing range to find teammates in space. Gündoğan plays next to him to connect the defense to the attack and pick up runners late into the box. These two must work hard to shield the defense and prevent counter attacks, especially since the formation leaves a lot of space in the middle if they get bypassed.

The attack is built around four players to stretch the opponent. Sancho operates as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside and create chances, while Marmoush stays wide on the left to stretch the defense and pull defenders out of position. In the center, Wirtz plays as a second striker in the hole to find pockets of space and link up play, while Højlund acts as a pressing centre forward to harass the back line. This formation creates many runs in behind and allows the team to attack in combinations or hit the opponent on the break.

A major advantage for Borussia Dortmund is the ability to create wide overloads when Grimaldo and Livramento push forward to join the wingers. The team also finds success through the speed of transition, using the four attackers to catch the opponent out of position before they can settle. Having Wirtz and Højlund close to the goal ensures they can win the second ball and strike quickly after a cross or a turnover.

This 4-2-4 formation is a high risk, high reward system designed for total attacking dominance. It is best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block or chase a result against a heavy favorite.