Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Borussia Dortmund plays with a high press and quick transitions in a 3-5-2. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and use width to stretch the defence. The team looks to move quickly from a compact block to a vertical attack.

Kobel acts as the goalkeeper, staying alert to sweep behind the line. The back line consists of Anton in the centre, with Süle as the right centre-back and Bensebaini as the left centre-back. Süle uses his aerial strength and physical presence to win the header and clear the lines. Anton holds the line in the middle while Bensebaini covers the space. The unit works to squeeze the space and force the opposition to play long.

The midfield unit uses a single pivot to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Nmecha sits in front of the defence to shield the unit and intercept passes. Gross operates as a deep lying playmaker, using his passing range to recycle possession and switch play. Jobe Bellingham plays as an inverted eight, driving forward with the ball and making late runs into the box. Ryerson and Svensson act as the wide midfielders, tasked to track back when defending or push high to overlap the wingers.

In the attacking third, the team uses two forwards in a partnership. Adeyemi plays as a mobile striker who uses his pace to hit in behind on the transition. Guirassy acts as the focal point, able to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. They combine in tight spaces to break the line of the opposition. Ryerson and Svensson look to get to the byline and whip it in for the strikers.

A major tactical advantage is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. The formation also creates wide overloads when Ryerson and Svensson push forward to support the attack. The team also benefits from the speed of transition, especially when Adeyemi carries the ball forward into open space.

This 3-5-2 formation is ideal for a high intensity game that relies on breaking quickly. It is best suited for facing opponents that play with a high line and can be caught by runs in behind.