Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel (GK) · Anton (ZAG) · Sule (ZAG) · Schloterbeck (ZAG) · Ryerson (ADD) · Can (VOL) · Gross (VOL) · Malen (ME) · Brandt (MEI) · Sabitzer (MEI) · Adeyemi (ATA)

Borussia Dortmund plays with a clear intent to press high and win the ball back quickly using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to attack with verticality, looking to hit opponents in behind through rapid transitions once the ball is recovered. The team aims to stay compact while maintaining enough width to stretch the opposition back line.

Kobel stays between the posts to command the area and start attacks. The defensive unit operates as a back three, with Sule acting as the central defender to win the header and organize the line. Schloterbeck plays as the left centre back to cover the space and step up into midfield, while Anton serves as the right centre back to provide stability. This back three can shift to form a mid-block when the team sits deeper to protect the center of the pitch.

The midfield operates as a four man line that connects the defense to the attack. Can acts as a sitting midfielder to shield the defense and recycle possession. Gross works alongside him to drive forward with the ball and find the feet of the attackers. On the flanks, Ryerson plays as a right midfielder who can overlap to provide width, while Malen occupies the left midfield role to press aggressively and win the ball high up the pitch.

The attack features three players across the front to pin the last defender. Adeyemi plays as a pressing centre forward, using his pace to run in behind the opposition. Brandt operates from the left wing, looking to cut inside and create chances, while Sabitzer plays on the right wing to provide more presence in the half spaces. This front line works to force a long ball from the opposition and looks to combine in tight spaces to break the line.

Borussia Dortmund offers significant advantages through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. The wide players and midfielders work together to squeeze the space and deny the turn to opposition players. This formation also provides speed of transition, allowing the team to move from a defensive block to an attacking threat in seconds.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for a high pressing game that relies on quick recovery. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.