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Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Creation DateJuly 25, 2025

Starting Lineup

Cm (Another Search) · Cam (Neymar2tekky) · Cam (13A_Ok) · St (Archangel) · Lw (Sero) · Rw · Cb (Mooge) · Cb (Pepsi) · Cm (Avo) · Lb · Gk

Borussia Dortmund seeks to play a vertical and high pressing style of football using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch to launch immediate attacks. The team aims to control the tempo by using the width of the pitch and creating quick transitions when the opposition loses possession.

In goal, the goalkeeper acts as the first line of defense and must be ready to sweep behind a high line. The back five consists of three central defenders and two wide defenders. The LWB and RWB function as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width. The central defenders focus on winning the header and clearing the lines when under pressure. One defender acts as a ball playing center back to play short from the back, while the others provide cover and mark the opposition strikers to ensure the defensive unit holds a compact shape.

The midfield operates as a two man unit designed to connect the defense to the attack. These two central midfielders must press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. One midfielder acts as a carrier to drive the ball forward, while the other looks to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. They must work to compress the midfield and ensure they do not get bypassed by central runners.

The attacking front line features three players working in close combinations. The LW and RW act as wide attackers who look to cut inside and create overloads in the half spaces. The ST operates as a pressing centre forward, leading the charge to force a long ball from the opposition. This front three works to pin the last defender and create runs in behind. The team builds the attack through quick passes to the wingers, who aim to deliver early crosses or cut it back for arriving runners.

Borussia Dortmund possesses significant tactical advantages through this formation. The use of wing backs allows for wide overloads that stretch the defense and create space for the central players. Additionally, the team can press in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. This setup provides a strong defensive block that is difficult to break down while remaining ready to counter at pace.

This 5-2-3 formation provides Borussia Dortmund with a balanced way to defend deep or attack with intensity. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle with high pressing or those that leave space behind their defensive line.