Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

ALEXANDER (MEYER) · LUCA (REGGIANI) · NIKLAS (SÜLE) · FILIPPO (MANÉ) · YAN (COUTO) · ALMUGERA (KABAR) · MARCEL (SABITZER) · SALIH (ÖZCAN) · CARNEY (CHUKWUEMEKA) · FÁBIO (SILVA) · MAXIMILIAN (BEIER)

Direct, vertical football defines the identity of Borussia Dortmund in this 3-5-2 formation. The lineup aims to control the middle of the pitch and quicken the tempo when breaking through the lines. By focusing on heavy central presence and rapid transitions, this system forces opponents to stay compact or risk getting caught out by runners from deep.

Alexander sits between the posts to command the area during defensive phases. The back three consists of Niklas, Filippo, and Luca, who must maintain a disciplined line to prevent through balls. Filippo and Luca provide width to the defensive block, while Niklas acts as the central anchor to intercept passes. These three defenders must step up together to squeeze the space between the lines or drop deep to protect the box when facing long balls.

Control of the central zone relies on a midfield that combines width and depth. Carney acts as the attacking ten to connect the play, pushing into pockets of space to create chances. Marcel and Salih work to shield the back three, using their ability to tackle and win second balls to break up opposition play. In front of them, Almugera and Yan provide the width, acting as wing backs who must track back to help the defense and push high to support the attack.

The attacking unit features two strikers, Fábio and Maximilian, working in close proximity. They play as a duo to pin back the opposition central defenders, often using one to hold up the ball while the other makes runs behind the defense. This two-man front line creates constant movement, pulling defenders out of position to leave gaps for Carney or the advancing wing backs to exploit. They press in unison to force turnovers high up the pitch.

A major strength for Borussia Dortmund lies in the ability to overload the flanks through the movement of Almugera and Yan. When these players overlap, they create two on one situations against opposing full backs. Additionally, the central congestion created by Marcel, Salih, and Carney makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. This compactness allows the team to transition from a defensive block to a high press with significant speed.

This 3-5-2 lineup focuses on central dominance and rapid verticality. It is a system best suited for matches where the team can exploit space behind a high defensive line through quick counter attacks.