Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel (Meyer/Ostrzinski) · Schlotterbeck (Bensebaini) · Anton (Reggiani) · Gaddou (Can/Mane) · Svensson (Prates) · Ryerson (TBD) · Bellingham (Chukwuemeka) · Nmecha (Sabitzer) · Beier (Inácio/Lerma) · Karetsas (TBD) · Guirassy (Silva)

Borussia Dortmund focus on a defensive solidity and rapid transitions using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before striking quickly on the break. The team relies on a compact unit that can squeeze the space between the lines and force the opposition into wide areas.

Kobel sits between the posts to command his area and organize the back line. The defensive unit functions as a back five, using a staggered line to cover the width of the pitch. Anton acts as the central figure to win the header and clear the lines, while Bellingham provides cover as a ball playing defender who can step into midfield. Nmecha works alongside them to maintain the defensive block, and the wing backs, Gaddou and Schlotterbeck, are tasked with tracking back to form a narrow defensive block when the team sits deep.

The midfield works as a four man unit to shield the defence. Ryerson acts as the single pivot to deny the pivot and protect the central defenders. In front of him, Svensson, Beier, and Karetsas form a flat line that can press in a mid-block to win it back high up the pitch or drop to compress the midfield. Beier and Karetsas act as the central engine, looking to carry the ball forward and find the feet of the striker. This midfield unit connects the defensive and attacking lines by recycling possession or playing vertical passes to catch the opposition out of position.

Guirassy operates as a lone pressing centre-forward, tasked with pinning the last defender and holding up the ball to allow others to join the attack. The attacking movement is designed to create runs in behind once the midfield wins the ball. When Borussia Dortmund transition, Gaddou and Schlotterbeck push high to provide width, while the midfielders look to exploit the space left by an advancing opposition. Guirassy works to link up play between the lines, often dropping slightly to pull defenders out of position.

This formation offers significant advantages through its compactness when defending and the speed of transition. By maintaining a tight block, the team makes it difficult for opponents to play through the lines. The ability to switch play quickly to the wing backs allows the team to create wide overloads once they break quickly from a defensive position.

Borussia Dortmund uses this formation to remain hard to beat and strike with lethal precision. It is best suited for matches against possession based sides that leave space behind their high defensive line.