Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Gregor Kobel · Schlotterbeck · Niklas Süle · Achraf Hakimi · Ian Maatsen · Felix Nmecha · Julian Brandt · Serhou Guirassy · Jamie Gittens · Johan Bakayoko · Georginio Rutter

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 4-5-1 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike rapidly before the opponent can get organized. The team looks to squeeze the space in the middle and use wide players to stretch the defence.

Gregor Kobel stands between the posts to act as a reliable presence. The back line operates as a flat back four. Niklas Süle and Schlotterbeck act as the central defenders, with Süle using his aerial strength to defend crosses while Schlotterbeck covers the space behind when the line steps up. Achraf Hakimi plays as an attacking full back to provide width, while Ian Maatsen covers the left side and can push forward to overlap. The defensive unit stays compact to deny the turn to opposing attackers.

The midfield uses a three-man midfield with a carrier and two holding players. Felix Nmecha and Julian Brandt act as a double pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. Georginio Rutter operates in the center to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often carrying the ball forward to drive the play. Jamie Gittens and Johan Bakayoko play as wide midfielders who stay high to support the attack. This unit works to press in a mid-block and win the second ball to keep the pressure on.

Borussia Dortmund utilizes a lone striker in Serhou Guirassy to lead the line. Guirassy acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line and hold up the ball for teammates. Jamie Gittens and Johan Bakayoko act as wide players who cut inside to create central presence. The team looks to attack in transition by hitting in behind on the transition through quick passes. These movements aim to create runs in behind and allow the wide players to isolate a one on one.

A primary strength of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The inclusion of Hakimi and Maatsen provides wide overloads when they push forward to support the wingers. Another advantage is the compactness when defending, as the five midfielders can easily shift to cover the width of the pitch.

The 4-5-1 formation provides a balanced way to compete through intense pressing and rapid counter attacks. This setup is best suited for games against teams that play with a high line or struggle to play out from the back.