Borussia Dortmund’s 2022-23 Tactical Evolution Under Edin Terzic
Borussia Dortmund have reignited their bid for the Bundesliga crown during the 2022-23 season, rebounding from an inconsistent start to emerge as serious contenders. Much credit goes to head coach Edin Terzic, who has refined the squad’s structure, unlocked the potential of key players, and guided Dortmund to an unbeaten run in 2023. While Bayern Munich’s struggles have helped tighten the title race, Dortmund’s ability to remain under the radar could prove a strategic advantage as pressure mounts elsewhere. This analysis breaks down Dortmund’s tactical framework and highlights the strengths and challenges that may define their pursuit of silverware.
Preferred Formation and Tactical Adjustments
Throughout the campaign, Borussia Dortmund have primarily operated in a 4-2-3-1 shape, offering tactical flexibility and the ability to accommodate their most creative talents. The midfield setup remains crucial, particularly when integrating influential figures such as Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, and Jude Bellingham—all of whom naturally thrive in advanced, central roles. Since Reus’s return from injury, Terzic has had to carefully orchestrate the roles to maintain balance and maximize output.
A significant development has been the return of Emre Can to the starting lineup, pairing with Salih Özcan, who has excelled in various responsibilities, from shielding the defense to orchestrating transitions. Özcan has often assumed the duties of a deep-lying playmaker, improving Dortmund’s defensive stability in counter-attacking situations. The presence of Can and Özcan behind Bellingham allows the latter to venture forward more freely, though this creates complexity in positioning as Brandt and Reus also seek central influence.
To ensure width and penetration, Dortmund have frequently positioned a more direct attacking presence—such as Karim Adeyemi—on the left flank. Adeyemi’s pace and vertical running have given defenses significant problems, although his recent hamstring injury has prompted additional opportunities for emerging talents like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Donyell Malen, or Youssoufa Moukoko.
Sebastien Haller has become the preferred choice up front, providing a physical and aerial focal point, while the defense often features Niklas Sule alongside the aggressive Nico Schlotterbeck, with speed preferred over veteran Mats Hummels’ experience. In the full-back roles, Marius Wolf, Raphael Guerreiro, and newly arrived Julian Ryerson all offer distinctive attacking and defensive attributes, with Guerreiro frequently inverting into midfield to facilitate ball progression.
Key Player Roles and Strategic Nuances
– **Double Pivot:** Emre Can’s ball-winning ability and Özcan’s positional discipline have been vital in controlling central areas and breaking up opposition attacks.
– **Roaming Playmakers:** The trio of Bellingham, Brandt, and Reus are given license to interchange and exploit pockets of space, making tracking difficult for opponents.
– **Wingers and Full-backs:** On the left, Adeyemi brings directness and speed, while the full-backs adapt their roles for width, overlaps, or inverted runs based on match situations.
– **Central Defense:** Sule’s mobility complements Schlotterbeck’s assertiveness, helping to counteract previous vulnerabilities to fast transitions.
– **Goalkeeper:** Gregor Kobel stands out with an impressive save percentage (around 74%) and a high rate of clean sheets, instilling confidence with shot-stopping and distribution skills.
Attacking Approach and Patterns of Play
Dortmund’s build-up usually starts from a 3+1 shape at the back, with the holding midfielder either dropping between or beside the center-backs to aid progression. This structure creates passing lanes for Brandt, Reus, or Bellingham to receive between the lines, while the full-backs guarantee width.
When advancing into the attacking third, swift, one-touch combinations become central—especially when opponents attempt to close down space quickly. The interplay between Brandt and Reus, in particular, breaks open tight defenses, allowing Dortmund to engineer clear scoring chances. Otherwise, the team looks to its wide players for crosses and overlaps, with wingers and full-backs frequently linking up to stretch opposition lines.
In transition, Dortmund exploit pace and technical skill. Bellingham’s dribbling, combined with the ability of Brandt and Reus to find optimal positions even during defensive phases, ensures the team can break with impact and capitalize on moments of disorganization. Utilizing a central target like Haller enables the classic “up-back-through” passing moves, vital in quick counter-attacks.
Defensive Structure and Transition Management
Defensively, Dortmund maintain a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on the double pivot to screen dangerous passes and provide support when possession is lost. If Reus is rested, the shape morphs into a 4-1-4-1, with Bellingham and Özcan stepping higher to exert pressure. Out of possession near their penalty area, Dortmund shift toward a 4-4-1-1 to strengthen wide coverage and form effective 2v1s against opposing wingers.
Historically, vulnerabilities on set-pieces and rapid counter-attacks have troubled Dortmund, particularly when full-backs push high or when Hummels lines up at the back. This season, the addition of Özcan’s athleticism and Can’s coverage has reduced these issues. Schlotterbeck’s front-foot defending pairs well with Sule’s safeguarding role, allowing for a blend of aggression and composure at center-back.
Aerially, Dortmund have been resilient, ranking among the Bundesliga’s best with a 53% win rate in aerial duels. They are also effective in tackling, with their high tackle percentage reflecting an increased tenacity without the ball. Kobel, Schlotterbeck, Wolf, and Hummels have all contributed significantly in clearing danger and contesting aerial battles.
Nevertheless, continual improvement in defensive transitions remains vital—particularly in balancing the urge to commit players forward with the necessity to remain compact and organized upon turnovers.
Challenges and Pathways Forward
– **Injury Management:** The loss of Adeyemi and fluctuating fitness among key players requires squad rotation and tactical flexibility.
– **Midfield Congestion:** Fitting Reus, Brandt, and Bellingham into roles where their strengths complement each other—without crowding central areas—is a persistent challenge.
– **Defensive Decisions:** Choosing between the experience of Hummels and the speed of Sule, as well as optimal combinations at full-back, will be key for the remaining fixtures.
– **Maintaining Consistency:** Translating their strong form in 2023 into sustained performances is essential for Dortmund to go all the way.
Conclusion: Can Dortmund Sustain Their Title Push?
Borussia Dortmund’s transformation under Edin Terzic has seen them blend attacking flair with growing defensive solidity, creating genuine optimism for ending Bayern Munich’s league dominance. The ability to effectively balance their wealth of playmakers, maintain defensive focus, and adapt to injuries will determine whether Dortmund can convert their momentum into a Bundesliga triumph. With underappreciated tactical discipline and an evolving squad, they have set the stage for an exciting run-in and a possible claim to the title.
As the season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Terzic’s men to see if they can maintain their upward trajectory and finally celebrate long-awaited domestic success.
