Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Borussia Dortmund relies on a compact and defensive identity to absorb pressure before hitting opponents on the break, utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to play a low block, making it very difficult for the opposition to find space between the lines. By sitting deep, the team forces the other side to play around them rather than through them, creating a wall that is hard to penetrate.

Kobel acts as the last line of defense, keeping a concentrated view of the penalty area. The defensive unit functions as a back five where Anton and Bellingham provide strength in the middle. Anton is dominant in the air, while Bellingham acts as a covering defender to sweep behind the line. Nmecha and Schlotterbeck provide cover on the sides, with Schlotterbeck working as a left wing back to squeeze the space. Gaddou operates as a right wing back to defend the flank and stop wide runners. The unit stays narrow to protect the central zone and forces the opposition to the wings.

The midfield operates as a flat four designed to congest the central area. Ryerson and Svensson form a double pivot to shield the defense and win the second ball. Ryerson looks to intercept passes and win possession quickly. Svensson works to cover the space in front of the center backs. Ahead of them, Karetsas and Beier occupy the half spaces to connect the midfield to the attack. Karetsas acts as a right attacking midfielder to drive forward with the ball, while Beier plays as a left attacking midfielder to link up play between the lines.

Guirassy operates as a lone striker and serves as a pressing centre forward to disrupt the opposition back line. He holds up the ball to allow the midfield to move up the pitch. When Borussia Dortmund wins the ball, the team looks to hit in behind on the transition. Gaddou and Schlotterbeck push up to provide width, while Karetsas and Beier look to arrive late into the box. The attack relies on quick combinations to find Guirassy in isolated one on one situations or to deliver crosses from the wide areas.

This formation offers great compactness when defending and makes it very hard for opponents to play through the middle. The presence of a double pivot with Ryerson and Svensson allows the team to protect the center, while the wing backs provide the ability to transition into a wide attacking threat. The setup ensures that the team is never caught out of position when facing heavy possession.

Borussia Dortmund uses this 5-4-1 to play a reactive and disciplined game. This lineup is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and rely on heavy attacking numbers.