Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

J.Ryerson · K.Adeyemi · M.Sabitzer · D.Malen · J.Brandt · E.Can · N.Sule · N.Schlotterbeck · M.Hummels · M.Wolf · G.Kobel

Borussia Dortmund seeks to dominate through high pressing and quick transitions with a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup relies on verticality to catch opponents off guard, moving the ball rapidly from the back to the front. The tactical identity focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and using the width of the wing backs to stretch the opposition.

G.Kobel stays between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back three consists of N.Sule, M.Hummels, and N.Schlotterbeck, who work as a cohesive unit to defend zonally. M.Hummels acts as the ball playing defender in the center, while N.Sule and N.Schlotterbeck provide aerial strength and cover the space behind the wing backs. This three man unit can step up to compress the space or drop into a low block when the team sits deep.

The midfield operates with a three man core that connects the defense to the attack. E.Can sits in the central role to shield the defense and recycle possession. M.Sabitzer and J.Brandt occupy the half spaces, with Sabitzer working to drive forward with the ball and Brandt looking to play through the lines with his passing range. The wing backs, M.Wolf and J.Ryerson, provide the necessary width, pushing high to support the attack and tracking back to form a five man line when defending.

Borussia Dortmund utilizes a two man partnership in the attacking line. K.Adeyemi and D.Malen play as two forwards who look to hit in behind on the transition. K.Adeyemi uses his pace to make runs in behind, while D.Malen focuses on link up play between the lines to bring the midfielders into the game. These two forwards press the opposition back line aggressively to force a long ball and regain control quickly.

This formation provides significant tactical advantages, particularly the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using the wing backs to pin the opposition wide, the team creates numerical superiority in the central areas through the midfield trio. The speed of transition allows the team to move from a mid block to a direct attack in seconds, often isolating wide players in one on one situations.

The 3-5-2 formation allows Borussia Dortmund to control the center of the pitch while maintaining a threat on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or struggle to deal with rapid vertical movement.