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Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Creation DateAugust 14, 2025

Starting Lineup

Weindenweller · Subotic · Hummels · Rudiger · Kehl · Gotze · Reus · Zidan · Mikhitaryan · Aubameyang · Gundogan

Borussia Dortmund aims to control matches through a high press and quick transitions using a 3-5-2. This formation is built to dominate the central areas of the pitch while staying compact. The lineup allows the team to squeeze the space in the middle and win the ball back high up the pitch.

Weindenweller starts between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit consists of a back three where Hummels acts as the ball playing defender on the left. Rudiger provides aerial strength and aggression on the right, while Subotic covers the center. This trio functions as a narrow defensive block to protect the middle. When the team plays out from the back, the defenders look to find the midfielders to start the move.

A crowded midfield serves as the engine for Borussia Dortmund. The team uses a three man midfield with a carrier and two attacking players in the half spaces. Kehl and Gundogan act as a double pivot to shield the defense. Gundogan is known for his passing range and ability to recycle possession. Zidan sits in the center to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Reus and Gotze push higher to support the strike force. These players work to compress the midfield and intercept passes before they reach the final third.

The attack features two forwards in a partnership to stretch the opposition. Aubameyang plays as a pressing centre forward who looks to hit in behind on the transition. He uses his pace to run into space. Mikhitaryan plays as a second striker in the hole, looking to link up play between the lines and arrive late into the box. They work together to pin the last defender and create chances through quick combinations.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The presence of five midfielders creates numerical superiority in the center of the pitch. The team can also win the second ball effectively due to the compactness of the players. Moving from a mid block to a high press in coordinated waves makes it difficult for opponents to play out from the back.

Borussia Dortmund uses this 3-5-2 to overwhelm opponents in the middle of the park. It is a formation best suited for games where the team needs to control the tempo and exploit space behind the opposition defense.