Borussia Dortmund Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Haaland · Skyuk · Vinaaa · Gurneya · Bellingham · Milky way · Dickey · Savio · Hummles · MoonDI · JJUMBorussia Dortmund relies on a vertical style of play within a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and break quickly through the middle. The team looks to use a high press to force turnovers and then hit in behind on the transition. Such a formation is designed to play direct football to exploit gaps in the opposition.
JJUM operates as the goalkeeper to anchor the defensive unit. The back three features Hummles at right centre-back, Dickey in the middle, and Savio at left centre-back. Hummles and Savio act as wide centre-backs who can step up into midfield to win the second ball or cover wide areas. Dickey is the central defender tasked to win the header and clear the lines when under pressure. Defending zonally, the unit maintains compactness and denies the turn.
In the center, MoonDI and Gurneya form a double pivot to shield the defence. MoonDI and Gurneya work to intercept passes and protect the back three. Vinaaa and Bellingham act as the central midfielders, while Skyuk plays as an attacking ten. Bellingham is known for his ability to carry the ball forward and his pressing intensity. To connect the defensive and attacking lines, Vinaaa recycles possession. Skyuk stays in the half-spaces to arrive late into the box and play through the lines.
The attacking line uses two forwards in a partnership. Haaland works as a pressing centre-forward, using his pace and strength to attack the far post. Milky way plays alongside him to combine in tight spaces and support the attack. Skyuk drops into the hole to link the midfield to the strikers and find the feet of the striker. Spreading wide allows the team to stretch the defence before a player delivers a cross or a through ball to the strikers.
This formation provides a clear advantage through numerical superiority in the midfield. The ability to press in a mid-block allows Borussia Dortmund to squeeze the space between the lines and win it back high up the pitch. Additionally, the wide centre-backs provide flexibility to shift between defensive roles and attacking roles. Speed of transition becomes a major factor when the team wins the ball and looks to counter at pace.
This 3-5-2 formation is a high pressing system designed for rapid attacks. It is best suited for facing opponents that play a high line and leave space to hit in behind on the transition.