Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Borussia Dortmund plays with a high press and quick verticality to disrupt the opposition. The team uses a 3-5-2 formation to control the middle of the pitch and create numbers in the final third. This lineup works to win the ball high up the pitch and strike before the defense can reset.

JJUM starts between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back three consists of Sanyang, Dickey, and Xhaka. Sanyang acts as a wide centre-back to cover the space behind the wing backs, while Dickey holds the central position to win the second ball and clear the lines. Xhaka provides cover on the left side of the back three. This unit stays compact to deny space between the lines and forces the opposition to play wide.

The midfield relies on a central trio and wide players to control the tempo. Komarty and Gurneya operate in the central spaces to shield the defense and recycle possession. MoonDI plays as an attacking ten to find the feet of the strikers and play through the lines. Bellingham and Vina act as wide midfielders who provide width but must track back to support the defense. Bellingham uses his driving style to carry the ball forward from the right flank, while MoonDI connects the midfield to the attack by operating in the pockets.

Up front, Borussia Dortmund utilizes two forwards to pin the last defender. Griezmann operates as a mobile striker who drops into the hole to link up play, while Skyuk plays as the more direct threat to run in behind. The attack relies on combinations in tight spaces and wide overloads. Bellingham and Vina push high to overlap the wingers, allowing Griezmann to find space in the middle. When the team wins the ball back, they look to hit in behind on the transition with quick vertical passes.

This formation offers significant numerical superiority in the central areas through the presence of MoonDI and the central pair. The team can also use the wide players to stretch the defense and create one on one situations. By pressing in pairs, the unit can squeeze the space and win the ball back high up the pitch.

This 3-5-2 lineup is built for teams that want to dominate the central corridors and press aggressively. It is most effective against opponents who play a slow build up and struggle to handle high intensity in the middle of the pitch.