Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Lorenzo Lucca · Ademola Lookman · Hjulmand · Reijnders · Llorente/Simeone · Ryerson · Svilar? · Milos Kerkez · Rabiot/Gallagher (o Grimaldo) · Van de Ven · Jeltsch

Borussia Dortmund employs a 4-4-2 formation that focuses on high pressing and direct verticality. This lineup is built to play a high tempo game where the team aims to win the ball back quickly in the middle third. By using two banks of four, the team keeps distances short to make it hard for opponents to pass through the lines.

Svilar starts in goal to oversee the defensive unit. The back line functions as a flat four with Van de Ven acting as a ball playing defender who uses his pace to cover space behind the line. Jeltsch provides aerial strength and physical presence alongside him. Milos Kerkez is an attacking full back who likes to overlap to provide width, while Ryerson stays more disciplined to tackle and intercept runs. The unit works to step up together to catch strikers offside or drop into a low block when under pressure.

The midfield relies on a central duo to control the center of the pitch. Reijnders works to connect the lines with his passing range and ability to drive forward into space. Hjulmand acts as the single pivot within the central pair to shield the defense and intercept passes. On the flanks, Llorente or Simeone operates as a wide midfielder to track back and support the defense, while Rabiot or Gallagher provides energy on the opposite side to press high.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund utilizes two forwards to stretch the opposition. Lorenzo Lucca acts as a lone striker who can hold up the ball and win aerial duels to bring others into play. Ademola Lookman plays as a second striker, often cutting inside from the right to use his dribbling style and create chances. This duo forces the opposing center backs to stay deep, which creates gaps for the midfielders to run into.

This formation offers clear tactical advantages, specifically the ability to press high in coordinated waves from the front line down to the midfield. The team can also create wide overloads when Milos Kerkez pushes up to support the wingers. By keeping the two banks of four compact, the team makes it difficult for the opponent to find passing lanes between the lines.

The 4-4-2 setup provides a solid balance between defensive solidity and quick transitions. This formation is best suited for matches against teams that struggle with high intensity and physical duels in the midfield.