Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Weidenfeller (Burki/Kobel) · Hummels (Bender/Sule) · Piszczek (Schmelzer/Guerreiro) · Subotic (Bartra/Akanji) · Bellingham (Wistel/Sahin) · Gundogan (Brandt/Rosicky) · Sancho (Blaszczykowski/Perisic) · Reus (Pulisic/O.Demebele) · Gotze (Kagawa/Mikhitaryan) · Haaland (Haller/T.Hazard) · Lewandowski (Aubameyang/Schurrle)

Borussia Dortmund aims to play a high press and vertical game using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the space in the middle and strike fast as soon as the ball is won back. The team focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and using rapid transitions to catch opponents out of position.

Weidenfeller stays between the posts to command the area. The defensive unit works in a back three consisting of Hummels, Piszczek, and Subotic. Hummels acts as a ball playing defender with a great passing range and aerial strength to control the game from deep. Piszczek and Subotic provide cover to the wide areas to ensure the team stays compact when the opposition tries to spread wide.

The midfield features five players to control the center of the pitch. Gundogan and Bellingham operate in a double pivot to shield the defense. Bellingham uses his pressing intensity to hunt for the ball, while Gundogan works to recycle possession and find the right pass. Gotze, Reus, and Sancho operate in the half spaces. Reus and Sancho look to drive forward with the ball, while Gotze finds pockets of space to connect the midfield to the attack.

The attacking front line uses two strikers, Haaland and Lewandowski, to lead the way. Haaland makes constant runs in behind to pin the last defender and use his pace. Lewandowski works to hold up the ball and lay it off to his teammates. The team builds the attack through quick combinations in tight spaces and looks to hit the opposition on the transition. Sancho and Reus often pull wide to provide width before cutting inside to create chances.

A major advantage of this formation is the numerical superiority in the middle of the park. By having five players in the center, Borussia Dortmund can often overload the opposition midfield. The team also excels at pressing in coordinated waves, which can force a long ball from the opponent. This allows the defenders to step up and win the second ball easily.

This 3-5-2 formation defines a team that wants to dominate through aggression and speed. It is best suited for facing opponents who try to build play through the middle and struggle against high pressure.