Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel · Hummels · Schlotterbeck · Guerreiro · Piszczek · Gündogan · Witsel · Reus · Sancho · Bellingham · Haaland

Borussia Dortmund focuses on a heavy press and vertical play with a 4-3-3. The lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and break quickly to catch the opposition out of position. This way of playing relies on quick transitions and constant pressure on the opponent.

Kobel operates in goal to anchor the defense. The team uses a flat back four that can push up to squeeze the space. Piszczek holds the right side while Guerreiro plays as the left back. Hummels works as a ball playing centre back with great passing range, while Schlotterbeck provides aerial strength and covers the space behind the midfield. The defensive unit works to hold a high line and set the offside trap.

The midfield operates as a three man unit where players control the tempo and the energy. Witsel acts as the single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession from deep. Gündogan works to connect the defensive and attacking lines by finding space between the lines. Bellingham plays as an attacking midfielder who uses his driving runs to carry the ball forward and arrive late into the box. They work together to compress the midfield and win the second ball.

Up front, the team uses three attackers across the front to stretch the defence. Haaland acts as a pressing centre forward who uses his physical strength to hold up the ball and knock it in behind the defenders. Sancho plays as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside and use his dribbling style to create openings. Reus operates from the left to play through the lines and link up with the midfield. They look to create runs in behind and use cutbacks from the byline to find Haaland.

This formation provides the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. Borussia Dortmund can also achieve wide overloads when the full backs push up to support the wingers. The speed of transition allows the players to hit in behind on the transition before the opposition can recover.

This 4-3-3 is a high intensity formation designed for aggressive attacking. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or leave space behind their defenders.