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Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Creation DateFebruary 7, 2025 UsernamePretorian

Starting Lineup

SAMMER · KOHLER · KREE · REUTER · HEINRICH · LAMBERT · P. SOUSA · MOLLER · RIEDLE · CHAPUISAT · KLOS

Borussia Dortmund focuses on central density and control through a 3-5-2 formation. The team aims to dominate the center of the pitch to dictate play and control the tempo. This lineup is built to play a game centered on ball retention and suffocating the opposition in the middle thirds. By occupying much of the central space, the team can recycle possession and make it difficult for opponents to find passing lanes through the heart of the pitch.

KLOS stands between the posts to anchor the defense. The back line consists of a back three where SAMMER acts as the central figure to organize the unit. KREE and KOHLER operate as the wide center-backs to cover the channels and provide support when the team pushes up. SAMMER is known for his aerial strength and ability to read the game, while KOHLER and KREE work to block runners and win the second ball. The defensive unit holds a narrow defensive block to prevent any penetrative passes into the box.

In the center of the pitch, the midfield operates as a dense block to win back the ball. HEINRICH and REUTER form a double pivot to shield the defense and protect the back three. Ahead of them, P. SOUSA and LAMBERT work to connect the defensive and attacking lines by receiving the ball and playing through the lines. MOLLER acts as the attacking ten, finding pockets of space to create chances. This midfield group can press in a mid-block to force a long ball from the opposition.

The attack features a strike partnership of CHAPUISAT and RIEDLE. CHAPUISAT often plays as a striker who can hold up the ball to allow others to join the play. RIEDLE looks to make runs in behind the defence to stretch the defence. MOLLER supports them from a slightly deeper position, acting as a second striker in the hole to link with the two forwards. The team builds the attack by playing short from the back and moving the ball through the central midfielders to find the forwards in scoring positions.

The primary strength of this Borussia Dortmund formation is the numerical superiority in midfield. By having five players centrally located, they can easily overload the middle and win the second ball frequently. This formation allows the team to press high in coordinated waves when they lose possession. Another advantage is the ability to stay compact when defending, making it very hard for the opposition to play through the center.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on central dominance and a strong defensive foundation to control matches. It is best suited for games against teams that rely on central play and struggle to bypass a crowded midfield.