Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Borussia Dortmund looks to dominate through a high press and quick verticality in a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to squeeze the space high up the pitch and hunt for the ball immediately upon losing it. The team wants to win the ball back high up the pitch to catch opponents before they can get organized.

Kobel sits between the posts to command the area and sweep behind the high line. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, and Anton. Bensebaini acts as the left centre back to cover the wide areas, while Anton covers the right side. Schlotterbeck stays central to lead the line, using his passing range to play out from the back and initiate attacks. This trio works to maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

In the middle of the pitch, the midfield uses a combination of a central pairing and advanced players. Sabitzer and Groß form the engine room to shield the defence and win the second ball. Sabitzer works to carry the ball forward, while Groß helps to recycle possession and cover ground. Brandt operates as the attacking ten behind the striker to connect the lines and find the feet of the striker. Couto operates in the central midfield role to provide energy and support the transition from defence to attack.

The attacking front three is designed to stretch the defence and create chaos. Guirassy leads the line as a central striker to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. Beier plays as a wide winger on the left to cut inside and create goal threats, while Malen operates on the right to make runs in behind. These players press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The goal is to use quick combinations and deliver early crosses into the box to find Guirassy.

Borussia Dortmund gains a major advantage through the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The movement of Brandt and the front three makes it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. Another strength is the speed of transition when Sabitzer or Couto win the ball and immediately look to hit in behind on the transition. This setup allows the team to overload the final third very quickly.

This 3-4-3 formation is built to overwhelm opponents through intense pressing and rapid attacking movements. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dictate the tempo and force the opposition into mistakes.