Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Gregor Kobel · Nico Schlotterbeck · Julian Ryerson · Waldemar Anton · Daniel Svensson · Julian Brandt · Emre Can · Marcel Sabitzer · Karim Adeyemi · Serhou Guirassy · Jamie Gittens

Borussia Dortmund prioritizes a high press and rapid verticality with this 4-2-4 formation. This lineup aims to overwhelm opponents through heavy attacking pressure and quick transitions to exploit high defensive lines. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately look to hit in behind with speed and directness.

Gregor Kobel operates between the posts to provide a sense of security when the team plays a high line. The defensive unit features a flat back four with Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson acting as full backs. Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck form the central pair, with Anton providing stability while Schlotterbeck uses his ball playing ability to progress the play. These defenders must stay compact to prevent being caught out when the team pushes forward.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide a screen for the back four. Emre Can acts as the primary protector, using his strength to win the second ball and shield the defense. Beside him, Marcel Sabitzer works to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often carrying the ball forward to drive the play. This duo must manage the space between the lines to prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

An aggressive front line drives the pressure from the front, using four attackers to stretch the defense. Serhou Guirassy and Julian Brandt lead the attack, with Guirassy acting as a focal point to hold up the ball and Brandt playing in the hole to find space between the lines. On the flanks, Jamie Gittens and Karim Adeyemi act as wide attackers who look to cut inside and threaten the goal. These players press the opposition back line constantly to force long balls and create turnovers.

This lineup offers significant speed of transition, allowing Borussia Dortmund to punish teams on the break. The presence of four attackers creates wide overloads when the full backs push up, often isolating wide players in one on one situations. The high press in coordinated waves can also trigger turnovers in dangerous areas.

This formation is built for a high intensity game centered on pressing and rapid attacking movements. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.