Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S.Guirassy · K.Adeyemi · J.Brandt · J.Bynoe-Gittens · M.Sabitzer · P.Groß · J.Ryerson · E.Can (C) · N.Schlotterbeck · R.Bensebaini · G.Kobel

Borussia Dortmund seeks to control the tempo through a mid-block and quick transitions in this 4-5-1. The team focuses on winning the second ball and using the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition. This formation is built to stay compact in the middle while looking to hit opponents on the break.

G.Kobel guards the net for Borussia Dortmund as the defensive unit maintains a flat back four. Captain E.Can acts as the right centre-back, using his presence to win the header and defend the box. Beside him, N.Schlotterbeck operates as the left centre-back to cover space and intercept passes. J.Ryerson plays as the right back to hold the line, while R.Bensebaini works at left back to provide cover. The back line works as a single unit to squeeze the space when the ball enters their zone.

The midfield functions as a five man block to dominate the central areas. P.Groß sits in the left defensive midfield role to shield the defence and recycle possession. M.Sabitzer plays as the right defensive midfielder to win it back high up the pitch and drive forward with the ball. In the central roles, J.Brandt acts as the playmaker to connect the lines and play through the lines. K.Adeyemi and J.Bynoe-Gittens occupy the remaining spots to press aggressively and carry the ball forward into the attacking third.

In the attacking phase, S.Guirassy operates as a lone striker to lead the line. He works to hold up the ball and find the feet of the attacking midfielders. The wide players and central midfielders look to make runs in behind to support him. The team builds attacks by spreading wide to create space in the middle. When winning the ball, the forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One main advantage is the ability to press in a mid-block with coordinated waves of players. This makes it difficult for opponents to play through the middle. The formation also offers great speed of transition once P.Groß or M.Sabitzer win the ball. The team can quickly switch play to the wide areas to isolate opponents in one on one situations.

Borussia Dortmund uses this lineup to maintain a compact shape while staying dangerous on the counter. This setup is best suited for games against teams that want to hold possession and leave space behind their midfield.