Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

L. Mumm (Y. Moukoko / P. Brunner) · Rafael Leao (M. Damsgaard) · 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 (M. Röhl / J. McAtee) · O. Vlachodimos (Z. Alomerovic / T. Schli.) · H. Elliott (P. Osterhage)

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press and quick transitions through a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike fast before the opponent can organize. The team seeks to use width and pace to stretch the defence and create chances in the final third.

O. Vlachodimos starts in goal to command the area and start play. The back line functions as a flat back four with J. Tah and A. Rüdiger acting as the central pair. A. Rüdiger is dominant in the air and provides physical presence, while J. Tah plays as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. D. Raum acts as an attacking full back on the left to provide width, whereas R. Baku plays a more conservative role on the right to cover space.

The midfield works as a three man midfield with a carrier and a creative spark. D. Szoboszlai operates as an attacking ten behind the striker to find pockets of space. H. Elliott works to drive forward with the ball and connects the defensive and attacking lines. J. Haberer sits slightly deeper to shield the defence and recycle possession. This group works together to compress the midfield and win the second ball when the initial press is broken.

In the attacking phase, Borussia Dortmund uses three attackers across the front. Rafael Leao plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and use his dribbling style, while C. Hudson-Odoi stays wide on the right to stretch the play. L. Mumm acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. The wingers look to get to the byline or cut back into the box to find L. Mumm or late runners.

This formation offers clear tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of Rafael Leao and C. Hudson-Odoi allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations. Additionally, the movement of D. Szoboszlai creates numerical superiority in midfield when he joins the attack.

This 4-3-3 lineup is built for a team that wants to dominate through aggressive pressing and rapid verticality. It is best suited for games against opponents who play a slow build up and struggle to defend deep space.