Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

PISZCEK · BLASZCZYKOWKSKI · SUBOTIC · BENDER · REUS · LEWANDOWSKI · GROBKREUTZ · GUNDOGAN · SCHMELZER · WEIDENFELLER · HUMMELS

Borussia Dortmund aims to play a high press and vertical style of football. The team operates in a 4-3-3 formation designed to squeeze the opposition in their own half and attack with speed. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch to create immediate scoring chances.

WEIDENFELLER starts in goal to manage the back line. The defense plays with a flat back four where PISZCEK and SCHOTIC occupy the right side. HUMMELS acts as a ball playing defender with a high reading of the game to intercept passes and step up into midfield. SCHOTIC provides cover while HUMMELS manages the line. SCHMELZER plays as a left back to provide width and cover the flank. The unit works together to maintain a high line and win the second ball when the press is triggered.

The midfield features a three man midfield with a carrier to link the play. BENDER sits in the middle to shield the defense and win tackles. GUNDOGAN plays as an inverted eight to drive forward with the ball and connect the defensive and attacking lines. REUS operates in the hole as an attacking ten behind the striker to find space between the lines. This group works to recycle possession and progress through the thirds to find the forwards.

Borussia Dortmund uses three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. LEWANDOWSKI acts as a pressing centre-forward who can hold up the ball and link with his teammates. GROBKREUTZ plays as a left winger who cuts inside to create central presence. BLASZCZYKOWKSKI works on the right as an inverted winger to pull wide and then look to hit in behind on the transition. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball and create runs in behind.

This formation offers the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. It creates wide overloads when the full backs push up to support the wingers. The team also finds success through speed of transition when they win possession in the final third.

The 4-3-3 lineup focuses on high intensity pressing and rapid verticality. It is a formation best suited for games where the team wants to dominate territory and exploit a high defensive line.