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Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Creation DateApril 8, 2026

Starting Lineup

kobel · frimpong (mld) · kounde · anselmino (lib) · anton · tonali · bellingham · couto (mld) · mastantuono · guirassy · kostoulas

Borussia Dortmund utilizes a 3-5-2 formation that centers on a high press and rapid vertical transitions. This lineup focuses on controlling the central areas of the pitch while using wide players to stretch the opposition. The team aims to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly find the forwards to exploit gaps in the defense.

Kobel operates as the goalkeeper, acting as a sweeping presence behind a back three. Anton and anselmino hold the central positions in this defensive unit, providing aerial strength and physical presence. Kounde sits as the right central defender to cover the space and intercept passes. On the flanks, couto and frimpong act as wing backs who push high to provide width and track back when the team loses possession.

The midfield operates with a central core that connects the back line to the attack. Tonali sits in a deep role to shield the defense and break the line with his passing range. Bellingham plays as a central midfielder who drives forward into the box and uses his ball carrying ability to push the team up the pitch. Mastantuono plays as the attacking midfielder to create chances and link the play between the central trio and the strikers.

Borussia Dortmund uses two forwards in a front two to pressure the opposition defenders. Guirassy and kostoulas work together to hold up the ball and run into channels. The wing backs, couto and frimpong, provide the width necessary to pull wide defenders out of position. This attacking movement forces the opposition to drop deep, creating space for Bellingham and Mastantuono to exploit.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs overlap. The central trio of Tonali, Bellingham, and Mastantuono provides numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch to dominate possession. Additionally, the team can press high in coordinated waves to force turnovers in dangerous areas.

This 3-5-2 formation is built for aggressive, high intensity football that relies on central dominance. It is best suited for games against teams that play a narrow midfield or struggle to deal with rapid transitions in wide areas.