Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Lorenzo Lucca · Ademola Lookman · Rabiot · Marcos Llorente · Hjulmand · Oscar Hojlund · Hickey · Ryerson · Svilar · Van de Ven · Jeltsch

Borussia Dortmund operates with a 4-4-2 formation that focuses on high pressing and verticality. This lineup is built to play a direct style of football that uses energy to win the ball back high up the pitch. The team looks to transition quickly from defense to attack to catch opponents out of position.

Svilar acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back line consists of a flat four with Van de Ven and Jeltsch operating as the central defenders. Van de Ven uses his recovery pace to cover space while Jeltsch provides strength in the air. Ryerson and Hickey play as wide defenders who provide width, though they must track back quickly to maintain a compact block. The defensive unit functions by pushing up together to squeeze the playing area.

The midfield works in two lines of four to control the central zones. Hjulmand and Oscar Hojlund form the central duo, where Hjulmand acts to shield the defense and intercept passes. Oscar Hojlund works to drive forward and connect the lines with his ball carrying. On the flanks, Rabiot and Marcos Llorente provide energy and cover the wide areas. Rabiot can cut inside to help the midfield, while Marcos Llorente uses his work rate to support both the attack and the defense.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund utilizes two forwards. Lorenzo Lucca acts as the lone target man to hold up the ball and win aerial duels. Ademola Lookman plays as a second striker, often looking to run in behind the defense or cut inside to find shooting lanes. The team builds the attack through direct passes to the forwards or through wide play involving the midfielders. The forwards press the opposing center backs heavily to force mistakes.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. The presence of Lorenzo Lucca allows the team to win long balls and create second balls for Ademola Lookman to exploit. Additionally, the work rate of Marcos Llorente and Rabiot provides the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs push forward.

This 4-4-2 formation provides a balanced platform for a high pressing game. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play under pressure or those that leave large spaces behind their defensive line.