Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Borussia Dortmund aims to play with high intensity and verticality using a 4-3-3. This formation is built to press high and exploit quick transitions once the ball is won. The team focuses on winning the ball in the opposition half to hit in behind on the transition and keep the pressure on the opponent.

Kobel sits between the posts to command the area and sweep behind the defense. The back line operates as a flat back four where Ryerson acts as a defensive wing back to maintain the line and Maatsen pushes up as an attacking wing back to provide width. Hummels uses his passing range to play out from the back, while Schlotterbeck works to cover space and win the header in defensive duels. The unit works to squeeze the space to hold a compact shape when the opposition has the ball.

Sabitzer acts as a single pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Can drives forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Brandt plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to play through the lines and find the forwards. This midfield trio works to win the second ball and press in a mid-block to deny the turn of the opponent.

The attacking unit uses a lone striker in Fulkrug, who acts as a target man to hold up the ball and lay it off. Adeyemi and Sancho operate as wide attackers, with Sancho using his dribbling style to cut inside and Adeyemi looking to run in behind. They aim to stretch the defence by spreading wide before making runs into the box. The team looks to get to the byline and cut it back to the center for late arrivals.

Borussia Dortmund gains a major advantage through the speed of transition involving Adeyemi and Sancho. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows them to win it back high up the pitch. Another strength is the ability to create wide overloads when Maatsen and Sancho combine in tight spaces to isolate a defender.

This 4-3-3 lineup is designed for teams that want to control games through aggressive pressing and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play a high line and can be broken quickly with pace.