Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

A heavy emphasis on verticality and pressing defines Borussia Dortmund and their 3-4-3 formation. This lineup focuses on quick transitions to punish opponents during turnover moments. The team aims to control the pitch through high intensity runs and direct movement in the final third. By using this formation, BVB seeks to overwhelm the opposition by flooding attacking zones and forcing mistakes.

Kobel sits between the posts to command the defense and act as a primary sweeper when the team plays a high line. In front of him, a back three provides central stability. Süle operates as the right center back, using his aerial strength to clear crosses and intercept long balls. Bensebaini covers the left side of the central trio, while Anton anchors the middle to organize the defensive block. The wide players in the midfield, Ryerson and Svensson, act as wing backs who must track back to support the defense and prevent overlaps on the flanks.

The midfield functions as a central engine designed to connect the defensive unit with the attackers. Sabitzer works as a central midfielder who can drive forward to break the line with his passing. Brandt sits alongside him to create chances and link the play through short, sharp passes. While Ryerson and Svensson provide width in a midfield four, they often push high to join the attack. This means the central pair of Sabitzer and Brandt must hold their positions to protect the back three when the team loses the ball.

Leading the charge, Guirassy acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and provide a focal point for the attack. He is supported by two wide attackers, Adeyemi and Beier, who operate as inverted wingers. Adeyemi uses his pace to cut inside from the left, while Beier looks to find space on the right. This attacking trio creates constant movement, forcing defenders to step up and leaving gaps behind for the midfielders to exploit. The wingers press high to prevent the opposition from building play from the back.

Borussia Dortmund gains a massive advantage through the speed of transition offered by Adeyemi and the wide coverage provided by the wing backs. The presence of three central defenders allows the team to commit more bodies forward without being caught out easily in the middle. They also create wide overloads when Ryerson and Svensson push high, isolating Beier and Adeyemi in one on one situations against full backs. This creates constant pressure in the final third.

This 3-4-3 formation prioritizes aggressive pressing and rapid forward movement. It is best suited for games where the opponent struggles to manage high intensity transitions and wide attacking threats.