Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

D. MALEN · M. THURAM · O. DEMBELE · S. GERRARD · ALISSON · J. NEVES · J. CLASIE · A. DAVIES · I. KONATE · N. SCHLOTTERBECK · J. RYERSON

Borussia Dortmund intends to dominate the ball and play with high intensity through a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to press high up the pitch and use quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. By keeping the ball in the final third, Borussia Dortmund can control the tempo and create constant pressure.

Alisson acts as the last line of defense, staying alert to sweep behind the defensive line. The back four uses a flat defensive line with N. Schlotterbeck and I. Konate acting as the central defenders. I. Konate provides great aerial strength and physical presence, while N. Schlotterbeck plays out from the back with composed passing. At the flanks, J. Ryerson plays as a defensive winger to protect the right side, while A. Davies acts as an attacking full back to push high and provide width.

The midfield works through a three-man system that connects the defense to the attack. J. Neves sits deeper to shield the defense and recycle possession, often looking to switch play to the wings. J. Clasie operates in the half-space to carry the ball forward and win the second ball in the center of the pitch. S. Gerrard plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, making late runs into the box and looking to play through the lines to find the forwards.

The attacking trio is designed to stretch the defense and create scoring chances. M. Thuram plays as a pressing centre-forward, using his strength to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. O. Dembele stays wide on the right as an inverted winger to cut inside and take on his man, while D. Malen operates on the left to provide direct runs in behind. This front line works together to create combinations in tight spaces and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for the team. The presence of S. Gerrard allows for numerical superiority in the central areas, making it hard for opponents to track his movement. The team can also create wide overloads when A. Davies overlaps the winger, forcing the opposition to defend much deeper. Having players like I. Konate and J. Neves helps the side maintain a high line and press in coordinated waves.

Borussia Dortmund uses this 4-3-3 to maintain control through high pressing and verticality. This formation is best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block or punish an opponent on the transition.