Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Serhou Guirassy · Julian Brandt · Felix Nmecha · Pascal Groß · Daniel Svensson · Yan Couto · Marcel Sabitzer · Filippo Mané · Waldemar Anton · Ramy Bensebaini · Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike with speed, using a 3-4-3 formation to stretch the opposition. This lineup relies on aggressive pressing and quick transitions to exploit spaces left behind by the opponent. The team wants to control the tempo through central dominance while using wide players to create constant threats on the flanks.

Gregor Kobel acts as the last line of defense, sweeping behind a high line when the team pushes forward. The back three consists of Waldemar Anton in the center, flanked by Filippo Mané on the right and Ramy Bensebaini on the left. Anton acts as the ball playing defender to start attacks, while Mané and Bensebaini provide cover and can step up to intercept passes. This defensive unit works to stay compact and push the line high to compress the midfield.

The midfield operates as a central pairing of Pascal Groß and Marcel Sabitzer to control the center of the pitch. Sabitzer uses his engine to drive forward with the ball, while Groß provides a passing range to find teammates in advanced positions. They are supported by wide midfielders Daniel Svensson and Yan Couto, who act as attacking wing backs. These players provide the width needed to stretch the defence, with Svensson and Yan Couto often overlapping to send crosses into the box.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund employs three forwards to pin the last defender. Serhou Guirassy acts as the central striker, able to hold up the ball and link up with others. Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha play as wide attackers, with Brandt often cutting inside to create chances. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball, allowing the rest of the team to win the second ball. This system creates many runs in behind and allows the team to attack in combinations.

One major advantage for Borussia Dortmund is the ability to create wide overloads because of the movement from Yan Couto and Daniel Svensson. The central pairing of Groß and Sabitzer allows the team to maintain control and recycle possession effectively. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, which can win the ball back in dangerous areas.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for a high pressing game that relies on verticality. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.