Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

L. Mumm (Y. Moukoko / P. Brunner) · Rafael Leao · D. Szoboszlai (M. Kjaergaard) · A. Rüdiger (W. Orban) · J. Tah (N. Collins) · D. Raum (T. Rothe) · R. Baku (M. Heyer) · C. Hudson-Odoi (A. Knauff) · J. Haberer (H. Elliott / J. McAtee) · O. Vlachodimos (Z. Alomerovic / T. Schli.) · M. Röhl (P. Osterhage)

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press and quick verticality using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and hit the opposition in behind immediately. The team seeks to use wide areas to stretch the defence and create chances through rapid transitions.

O. Vlachodimos guards the goal while the back line maintains a high line to squeeze the space. J. Tah and A. Rüdiger act as the central defenders, with Rüdiger providing physical presence and Tah acting as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. R. Baku plays as a defensive wing back on the right to provide stability, while D. Raum operates as an attacking wing back on the left to push forward and overlap. The defensive unit works to set the offside trap and compress the pitch.

The midfield operates with a three man midfield with a carrier and an advanced playmaker. J. Haberer and M. Röhl occupy the central roles, with Haberer looking to intercept passes and Röhl acting as the player who drives forward with the ball. D. Szoboszlai plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to create chances and find the feet of the striker. This group links the defence to the attack by recycling possession or playing through the lines to find the forwards.

In the final third, Borussia Dortmund utilizes three attackers across the front. Rafael Leao plays as an inverted winger on the left, frequently cutting inside to use his dribbling style and explosive pace. C. Hudson-Odoi acts as an inverted winger on the right to provide width and threat. L. Mumm operates as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and pin the last defender to allow the wingers to arrive late into the box. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball.

The formation provides significant tactical advantages through wide overloads when D. Raum pushes up. The team also benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, led by the intensity of the front three. This allows Borussia Dortmund to win the second ball and launch attacks before the opposition can settle.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on high energy and quick transitions to dominate games. It is best suited for facing teams that play a high defensive line or struggle to manage intense pressing.