Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Ramaj (Meyer) · Stones (Bella Kotchap) · Mosquera (Anton) · Schlotterbeck (Mane) · F. Nmecha (Schouten) · Groß (Ryerson/Couto) · Bensebaini (Svensson) · Chukwuemeka (E. Mbappe) · Adeyemi (Duranville/Campbell) · Beier (Trossard) · Guirassy (L. Nmecha)

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press to dominate games through quick transitions and verticality. The team utilizes a 3-4-3 formation to squeeze the space and force the opposition into errors. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and move the ball quickly toward the goal.

Ramaj acts as the goalkeeper to play short from the back and initiate attacks. The defensive line is a back three featuring Stones, Mosquera, and Schlotterbeck. Stones serves as the central defender to cover the space and win the header. Mosquera and Schlotterbeck operate as wide centre-backs who step up to engage attackers or track back when needed. They maintain a high line to ensure the unit stays compact.

The midfield core works to bridge the gap between the defence and the attack. F. Nmecha sits as a single pivot to shield the defence and win the second ball. Bensebaini and Groß work in the center to carry the ball forward and recycle possession. Chukwuemeka plays as an attacking ten in the hole to play through the lines and find the feet of the striker. This unit works to compress the midfield and deny the turn for the opposition.

In the attacking phase, Guirassy leads the line as a pressing centre-forward. He is tasked to hold up the ball and lay it off to oncoming runners. Beier and Adeyemi play as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. Beier often pulls wide to stretch the defence before looking to cut it back from the byline. This formation is designed to create runs in behind and hit in behind on the transition while the forwards press from the front.

A significant strength of this Borussia Dortmund lineup is the ability to press in coordinated waves. With Chukwuemeka and the front three, the team can win it back high up the pitch. Another advantage is the ability to create wide overloads when Bensebaini and Groß push up to support the wingers. This forces the opposition to defend in tight spaces and creates gaps for late runs.

This aggressive 3-4-3 formation is ideal for teams that want to control the tempo through ball recovery. It works best against opponents who struggle to play out from the back or defend against high intensity.