Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

KOBEL · SÜLE · ANTON · BENSEBAINI · RYERSON (Y. COUTO) · SABITZER (CHUKWUEMEKA) · GROSS (JOBE BELLINGHAM) · SVENSSON · ADEYEMI (NMECHA) · BRANDT (J. GITTENS) · GUIRASSY

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press and rapid transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can get organized. By using a heavy pressing game, the team looks to squeeze the space in the opponent's half and force mistakes.

Gregor Kobel sits between the posts to command his area and sweep behind a high line. The back three consists of Niklas Süle, Anton, and Bensebaini. Süle acts as a ball playing defender with strong aerial strength, while Anton holds the central position to organize the line. Bensebaini provides cover on the left, ensuring the unit stays compact. This defensive unit functions to win the second ball and push the defensive line up to support the midfield.

The midfield operates with a central pairing of Pascal Groß and Marcel Sabitzer. Groß acts as a deep lying playmaker who can recycle possession, while Sabitzer is a carrier who can drive forward with the ball to link the lines. On the flanks, Ryerson and Svensson play as attacking wing backs to provide width. They are tasked to overlap the wingers and deliver crosses into the box. This midfield setup connects the defense to the attack by finding players between the lines.

In the final third, Borussia Dortmund uses three attackers to stretch the defense. Karim Adeyemi plays as an inverted winger on the right, using his pace to cut inside and run in behind. Brandt operates on the left, looking to combine in tight spaces and create chances. Guirassy acts as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. The forwards press the opposition back line to prevent them from playing out from the back, creating chances for quick combinations.

The tactical advantages of this formation include the ability to create wide overloads from the overlapping wing backs. Dortmund can also achieve numerical superiority in the middle when the wing backs push high. This allows the team to press in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the thirds.

This 3-4-3 lineup relies on intense pressing and speed to overwhelm opponents. It is best suited for games against teams that try to build play slowly from the back.