Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Serhou Guirassy · Julian Ryerson · Waldemar Anton · Nico Schlotterbeck · Ramy Bensebaini · Emré Can · Pascal Groß · Marcel Sabitzer · Julian Brandt · Donyell Malen · Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund focuses on high pressing and quick transitions through a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and use verticality to punish teams in transition. By hunting in packs, the squad tries to squeeze the space and force mistakes in the opposition half.

Gregor Kobel acts as the last line of defense, providing stability behind a high line. The back four consists of Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck as the central pairing, with Anton acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks. Julian Ryerson plays as an attacking full back to provide width, while Ramy Bensebaini covers the left side and can overlap or tuck in. The defensive unit stays compact to ensure they do not get caught out when the team pushes up.

In the middle of the pitch, Emré Can operates as the single pivot to shield the defense. He sits deep to protect the center backs and picks up runners. Pascal Groß joins him to provide passing range and helps to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Julian Brandt plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, finding pockets of space to create chances. This midfield group works to win the second ball and progress through the thirds with purposeful passing.

The attack utilizes three players across the front to stretch the defense. Serhou Guirassy acts as the central striker, holding up the ball and making runs in behind. Donyell Malen plays as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and shoot. Marcel Sabitzer operates on the right wing, providing more directness and working hard to press the opposition back line. The forwards combine in tight spaces to create sudden threats.

Borussia Dortmund gains a massive advantage from their ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of Emré Can provides a solid base that allows the others to push forward without fear. They also create wide overloads when the full backs join the attack, which helps to split the defense. This tactical setup creates several ways to break a low block or strike on the break.

This 4-3-3 formation is designed for a high intensity game that relies on physical dominance and quick ball movement. It is best suited for matches where the team can exploit a disorganized opponent through rapid transitions.