Borussia Dortmund Football Formation
Starting Lineup
GREGOR (KOBEL) · EMRE (CAN) · WALDEMAR (ANTON) · NICO (SCHLOTTERBECK) · JULIAN (RYERSON) · DANIEL (SVENSSON) · FELIX (NMECHA) · JOBE (BELLINGHAM) · JULIAN (BRANDT) · KARIM (ADEYEMI) · SERHOU (GUIRASSY)A high press and rapid transitions define the tactical identity of Borussia Dortmund in this 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate territory through aggressive pressure and direct play to exploit space behind the opposition defense. The goal is to force turnovers high up the pitch and immediately push forward with numbers.
Gregor stands between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. The back line consists of a central trio featuring Waldemar, Nico, and Emre. Waldemar holds the center of the defense while Nico and Emre cover the wider areas to intercept passes and win aerial duels. The three defenders act as a solid block, often stepping up to compress the space between the lines and squeeze the opponent.
Control of the central areas falls to a midfield four that connects the defense to the attack. Jobe and Felix occupy the central roles to shield the back three and break up play. Felix works to link the play while Jobe drives forward to push the lines. On the flanks, Daniel and Julian provide the width necessary to stretch the opponent. These midfielders must track back to support the defense when possession is lost.
The attacking front line relies on three players to pin back the opposition. Serhou acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and wait for support. Karim and Julian play as wide attackers, looking to cut inside or cross the ball into the box. This trio pressures the opposition defenders constantly, forcing them into mistakes and creating passing lanes for the midfielders to break the line.
Borussia Dortmund finds strength in the ability to create wide overloads through the combination of the wingers and the wide midfielders. The presence of Daniel and Julian allows the team to overlap and overwhelm the flanks. Another advantage is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger intense pressure that the midfield can quickly exploit.
This 3-4-3 formation provides a relentless attacking presence that forces opponents into deep defensive positions. It is most effective against teams that struggle to play out from the back or teams that leave significant space between their midfield and defensive lines.