Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Serhou Guirassy · Maximilian Beier · Felix Nmecha · Pascal Groß · Daniel Svensson · Yan Couto · Marcel Sabitzer · Filippo Mane · Waldemar Anton · Ramy Bensebaini · Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund plays with a high press and heavy verticality using a 3-3-4 formation. This lineup focuses on overwhelming the opponent in the final third and winning the ball back high up the pitch. The goal is to use intense pressure to disrupt the build up play of the opposition and launch attacks quickly. This way of playing relies on constant movement to keep the opponent on the back foot.

Gregor Kobel stays between the posts to anchor the defense. The back line consists of a back three where Waldemar Anton acts as the central defender. Filippo Mane operates as the right wide centre-back and Ramy Bensebaini takes the left wide centre-back role. These defenders must stay compact to defend zonally and prevent runs in behind. Anton is expected to win the header and organize the line, while Bensebaini provides cover for the wide areas. The unit must shift as a block to deny the turn to any attackers.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier and creators. Yan Couto plays on the right side of the trio to carry the ball forward and push into higher positions. Daniel Svensson works to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Marcel Sabitzer provides a high passing range from the center and helps to recycle possession. Sabitzer and Svensson must work to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. This midfield group must press aggressively to win the ball back and then immediately find the forwards.

In the final third, Borussia Dortmund employs a front line of four attackers including two forwards in a partnership and two wide wingers. Maximilian Beier and Serhou Guirassy work as a partnership in the center. Guirassy can hold up the ball and use his physical strength to pin the last defender. Pascal Groß plays on the right wing to deliver early crosses and use his set piece delivery, while Felix Nmecha operates on the left. These attackers press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The intention is to create runs in behind or allow the forwards to combine in tight spaces.

A key tactical advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to trap opponents. The frontline of four can pin the opposition back and force them into mistakes. Another strength is the ability to isolate wide players in one on one situations when the wingers pull wide. The speed of transition from winning the ball to hitting the goal is very high with this lineup.

This 3-3-4 formation is built to dominate teams that try to play out from the back through heavy pressure. It is a high-risk system best suited for matches where the team needs to overwhelm a deep block or chase a goal.