Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

KOBEL · SÜLE (Y. COUTO) · ANTON · BENSEBAINI · RYERSON · GROSS (NMECHA) · SABITZER · BRANDT (DURANVILLE) ((CHUKWUEMEKA)) · SVENSSON · GUIRASSY · ADEYEMI (M. BEIER)

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a high press and rapid verticality using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. The team looks to play with high intensity to disrupt the opposition build up and create quick chances in transition.

Kobel operates between the posts to provide security behind a back three. Anton sits in the middle of the defensive line to organize the unit and win headers, while Sule acts as a right-sided centre back who can carry the ball forward. Bensebaini plays as the left-sided centre back to provide balance. This defensive unit functions by staying compact and ensuring the lines stay close together to prevent play through the lines.

In the middle of the pitch, Sabitzer acts as a single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Gross works alongside Brandt (Duranville) to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Gross helps to press aggressively to win the ball high, while Brandt (Duranville) looks to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. The midfield also utilizes Ryerson and Svensson as wing backs to provide width and support the central players.

The attacking front line uses a two forward partnership consisting of Guirassy and Adeyemi. Adeyemi uses his pace to make runs in behind the opposition defence, while Guirassy acts as a striker to hold up the ball and link up play. Ryerson and Svensson push high to overlap the wingers and provide crosses from wide areas. This attacking setup aims to create one on one situations and exploit spaces behind the full backs through quick combinations.

Borussia Dortmund benefits from numerical superiority in the central midfield zones when they squeeze the game. The wing backs, Ryerson and Svensson, provide wide overloads that stretch the defence and create gaps in the middle. The ability to press in coordinated waves allows the team to win the second ball and start attacks immediately after winning possession.

This 3-5-2 formation is designed for teams that want to dominate through intensity and vertical movement. It is best suited for matches against opponents that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.