Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Serhou Guirassy · Jamie Gittens · Julian Brandt · Ramy Bensebaini · Julian Ryerson · Felix Nmecha · Pascal Groß · Nico Schlotterbeck · Emré Can · Waldemar Anton · Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund focuses on verticality and high pressure, utilizing a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to control the tempo through aggressive ball winning and rapid transitions to catch opponents out of position. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create chances through quick combinations.

Gregor Kobel guards the net for Borussia Dortmund, acting as a shot stopper with impressive reflexes. Ahead of him, the back three functions as a compact defensive unit. Waldemar Anton operates as the right centre-back, providing aerial strength to win the second ball. Nico Schlotterbeck plays as the left centre-back and is able to step up into midfield to help progress the ball. Emré Can sits in the middle of the three, acting as a ball playing defender who can cover the space behind his teammates.

The midfield works in a four man block to control the center of the pitch. Pascal Groß and Felix Nmecha form a double pivot, where Groß seeks to control the tempo and Nmecha works to intercept passes. The wide players, Ramy Bensebaini and Julian Ryerson, act as wing backs to provide width. Bensebaini is tasked to overlap the winger on the left, while Ryerson pushes high on the right to deliver crosses. This central duo connects the defensive line to the forward line by recycling possession and finding the attackers.

The attacking trio focuses on high pressing and penetration. Serhou Guirassy leads the line as a lone striker, using his strength to hold up the ball and link play. Jamie Gittens plays as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create shooting opportunities. Julian Brandt operates on the right, frequently moving into the half spaces to find pockets of space. These attackers work together to pin the last defender and create runs in behind the opposition back line.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of the wing backs allows for wide overloads that can force the opposition defense to spread wide. Additionally, the three center backs provide stability, allowing the team to remain defensively solid even when the wing backs push high up the pitch.

Borussia Dortmund uses this 3-4-3 to dominate games through intense pressing and quick attacking transitions. It is a formation best suited for facing teams that play a high line or struggle with wide overloads.