Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

L. Mumm (Y. Moukoko / P. Brunner) · Rafael Leao (A. Gronbaek) · 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 aims to dominate games through a high press and rapid verticality, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and punish opponents through quick transitions. The goal is to squeeze the space in the opposition half and use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence.

O. Vlachodimos starts in goal to command the area. The back line operates as a flat back four, where R. Baku acts as a defensive wing back to help keep possession while D. Raum pushes up the left flank to provide width. In the center, A. Rüdiger and J. Tah form the heart of the defence, with Rüdiger providing aerial strength and Tah acting as a ball playing defender to play short from the back. They work to hold a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative presence. M. Röhl and J. Haberer operate in the central areas to press aggressively and win the second ball. D. Szoboszlai plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to play through the lines and find the feet of the attackers. This unit links the defence and attack by having the midfielders carry the ball forward to transition from a mid-block into an attacking phase.

Borussia Dortmund employs three attackers across the front to keep the opposition pinned. Rafael Leao plays as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chances, while C. Hudson-Odoi operates on the right to provide more direct threats. L. Mumm acts as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and harass the opposition back line. The forwards often combine in tight spaces to create runs in behind, using the width provided by the full backs to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The presence of D. Szoboszlai allows for numerical superiority in the final third when he joins the attack. Additionally, the team can create wide overloads by having D. Raum and Rafael Leao operate on the same flank to overwhelm the opposition defender.

The 4-3-3 formation used by Borussia Dortmund is built for aggressive, high intensity football. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession and win the ball back quickly to exploit a high defensive line.