Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

KOBEL · SCHLOTTERBECK · CAN / ANTON · BENSEBAINI / RYERSON · RYERSON / ANTON · GROSS · SABITZER · BRANDT · ADEYEMI · GITTENS / BEIER · GUIRASSY

Borussia Dortmund focus on a direct and aggressive style of play through a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup seeks to overwhelm opponents by committing many players forward to pin the defense back. The intent is to use heavy pressure to win the ball high up the pitch and launch quick attacks before the opposition can settle.

Gregor Kobel guards the goal while the back four maintains a relatively high line to compress the playing area. Can and Schlotterbeck act as the central defenders, with Schlotterbeck often stepping into midfield to help progress the ball. Ryerson provides stability at right back, while Bensebaini offers more attacking presence on the left. The unit functions by keeping a compact distance between the defenders and the midfield to ensure the team stays narrow when defending.

The midfield utilizes a double pivot consisting of Sabitzer and Gross to control the central zone. Gross acts as the primary engine, using his high work rate to intercept passes and recycle possession. Sabitzer provides the link between the defense and the attack, looking to carry the ball forward or play through the lines. They are tasked with shielding the back four and ensuring they do not get bypassed during transition.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund deploy four players to stretch the opposition. Guirassy acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and engage the center backs, while Brandt plays as a second striker in the hole to find space between the lines. Adeyemi operates on the right wing, using his immense pace to run in behind the defense, and Gittens or Beier provides width and movement on the left. The front four press from the front in pairs to force a long ball and regain control quickly.

This formation offers significant advantages in terms of wide overloads and verticality. By using four attackers, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations against full backs. The heavy presence in the final third allows for quick combinations and creates many chances to hit in behind on the transition.

This 4-2-4 lineup is designed for teams that want to dominate through high pressing and rapid attacking movements. It is best suited for matches where the opponent struggles to play out from the back under intense pressure.