Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a vertical style of play that looks to strike with extreme pace. This 5-2-3 formation is built to play a counter attacking game that exploits the space left by opponents. The goal is to stay compact and then break quickly once the ball is won to catch teams out of position.

Kobel stays on his line to manage the area and organize the defense. The back line functions as a back five where Can sits in the middle to command the zone and win the second ball. Anton and Süle act as the central defenders flanking Can, with Süle using his aerial strength to win headers during defensive phases. Ryerson and Svensson act as attacking wing backs to push high and provide width. This defensive unit stays tight to deny the turn to strikers and ensures the team can drop into a low block if needed.

The midfield consists of a two man midfield designed to bridge the gap between defense and attack. Sabitzer acts as a carrier to move the ball forward through the thirds, while Brandt works to connect the lines. Sabitzer has the energy to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch. Brandt uses his passing range to play through the lines and find the forwards. This pairing works to shield the defense and recycle possession to keep the team moving.

Up front, the team utilizes three attackers to stretch the defence. Guirassy operates as a lone striker to hold up the ball and allow others to join the play. Adeyemi plays as a wide winger on the right, looking to hit in behind on the transition with his pace. Beier plays on the left and often cuts inside to create a central threat. The wing backs, Ryerson and Svensson, overlap the wingers to deliver crosses into the box. This formation allows the team to attack in combinations and create many runs in behind.

One major strength is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs push up. The team also benefits from the speed of transition, moving from a defensive position to an attacking one almost instantly. The presence of a strong central trio in the back allows the team to remain compact while defending deep.

This 5-2-3 lineup allows Borussia Dortmund to remain defensively solid while being lethal on the break. It is a formation best suited for facing high pressing teams that leave gaps in behind.