Borussia Dortmund Football Formation
Starting Lineup
N.Fullkrug · K.Adeyemi · M.Sabitzer · D.Malen · F.Nmecha · E.Can · R.Bensebaini · N.Schlotterbeck · M.Hummels · M.Wolf · G.KobelBorussia Dortmund prefers to win the ball back high up the pitch through an intense pressing game, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to play with high intensity and quick verticality to catch opponents out of position. By pushing the team up the pitch, Borussia Dortmund looks to create constant pressure in the final third.
G.Kobel stays between the posts to command the area and start play from the back. The back line functions as a flat back four that can step up to set the offside trap. N.Schlotterbeck and M.Hummels act as the central defenders, where Hummels uses his passing range to find teammates while Schlotterbeck provides cover and physical presence. On the flanks, M.Wolf acts as a right back to hold the line, while R.Bensebaini operates as a left back to provide balance. The defensive unit works together to squeeze the space between the lines.
The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a deep controller. E.Can sits in the center to shield the defence and recycle possession, acting as the link between the back four and the attackers. M.Sabitzer works in the right half-space to drive forward with the ball and arrives late into the box to challenge for headers. F.Nmecha plays in the left half-space to press aggressively and win the second ball, helping to compress the midfield when the team defends.
The attacking front line features three attackers across the front. N.Fullkrug acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win headers, providing a focal point for the team. On the wings, K.Adeyemi and D.Malen act as wide wingers who look to cut inside and run in behind the opposition defence. Adeyemi uses his pace to stretch the defence, while Malen looks to combine in tight spaces. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.
This formation offers specific tactical advantages such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win the ball back quickly. The presence of N.Fullkrug allows for direct play to bypass the midfield when needed. Furthermore, the movement of K.Adeyemi and D.Malen creates width and isolates wide players in one on one situations.
Borussia Dortmund utilizes this 4-3-3 to dominate games through high pressure and rapid transitions. This lineup is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under intense pressure.