Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Serhou Guirassy · Karim Adeyemi · Julian Brandt · Daniel Svensson · Jobe Bellingham · Pascal Groß · Ramy Bensebaini · Waldemar Anton · Niklas Süle · Gregor Kobel · Julian Ryerson

Borussia Dortmund focuses on high pressing and quick transitions through a 3-4-3 formation. This system aims to squeeze the space in the middle and use width to stretch the opposition. The lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the space behind the defense immediately with vertical passing.

Gregor Kobel starts in goal, acting as a shot stopper to deny chances. The back line consists of a three man unit with Waldemar Anton, Niklas Süle, and Ramy Bensebaini. Niklas Süle provides aerial strength and covers the space behind a high line. Ramy Bensebaini can carry the ball forward from the left, while Waldemar Anton sits centrally to organize the unit and intercept passes. These defenders work to hold the line and catch attackers in an offside trap.

The midfield operates with a central pairing of Pascal Groß and Jobe Bellingham. Pascal Groß sits deeper to recycle possession and find the feet of the attackers. Jobe Bellingham acts as a carrier to drive the ball forward and connect the defense to the front line. Daniel Svensson and Julian Ryerson provide the width, acting as wing backs who overlap to support the attack. They must track back to help the back three when defending in a mid block and protect the wide areas.

In the final third, Borussia Dortmund uses three attackers. Serhou Guirassy plays as a lone striker to hold up the ball and win the header in the box. Julian Brandt operates in the right half space, looking to cut inside and play through the lines with his passing range. Karim Adeyemi stays wide on the left to use his speed for runs in behind. The front line works to press the opposition back line to force a long ball and create chances from the second ball.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages. Wide overloads can be created when Daniel Svensson and Julian Ryerson push high to double up on wide defenders. The presence of Pascal Groß and Jobe Bellingham allows for numerical superiority in the center of the pitch during build up. Additionally, the ability to press high in coordinated waves can win the ball back high up the pitch to catch the opponent out of position.

This 3-4-3 formation is a high intensity system designed for aggressive play. It works best against opponents who play a slow build up and leave space behind their defenders.