Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel (Meyer / Drewes) · Schlotterbeck (Bensebaini) · Guirassy · Svensson (Kabar) · Nmecha (Bellingham) · Sabitzer (Özcan) · Ryerson (Couto) · Can (Anton) · Beier (Adeyemi) · Brandt (Groß) · Anton (Süle / Mane)

Borussia Dortmund looks to play a vertical and pressing game. The team uses a 3-5-2 formation designed to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward quickly to catch opponents out of position. The goal is to use central density to control games and hit teams on the break through rapid transitions.

Gregor Kobel guards the net with his shot stopping abilities. The defensive unit plays a high line with a back three consisting of Benedikt Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, and the captain Emre Can. Emre Can acts as a ball playing defender who can step up into midfield to create an extra man. Schlotterbeck and Anton cover the spaces to the sides and win the header when balls are played long. They stay compact to deny the turn to opposing attackers and hold the line.

The midfield works as a three man midfield with a carrier. Marcel Sabitzer drives forward with the ball to break the line, while Julian Brandt operates in the half spaces to create and pass through the lines. Timon Nmecha connects the defensive and attacking lines to ensure the ball moves smoothly. Julian Ryerson and Lasse Svensson act as the wide outlets, pushing up to provide width and tracking back to form a five man line when defending in a mid block.

Up front, the team uses a partnership of two forwards. Serhou Guirassy acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win the second ball, while Sebastian Beier looks to make runs in behind to stretch the defence. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The attack relies on the wing backs to deliver crosses and use the width to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through numerical superiority in midfield. By having three central players and two wide midfielders, Borussia Dortmund can control the center of the pitch. The team also uses wide overloads from Julian Ryerson and Lasse Svensson to create chances. The ability to press high in coordinated waves makes it difficult for opponents to play out from the back or find passing lanes.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on intense pressing and quick vertical movements. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to handle high pressure and central congestion.