Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

kobel · frimpong (mld) · anselmino · anton · bensebaini · tonali (mcd) · bellingham · mastantuono · brandt · guirassy · suarez

Borussia Dortmund utilizes a 3-3-4 formation designed for aggressive, vertical football. This lineup looks to overwhelm opponents in the final third through heavy numbers in attack and high intensity pressing. The goal is to force turnovers deep in the opposition half and use rapid transitions to punish any defensive gaps.

Kobel starts between the posts to command the area and act as the first point of distribution. The back three consists of bensebaini, anselmino, and Anton working in a narrow line to maintain central density. Bensebaini acts as the left-sided cover, while Anton uses his aerial strength to defend set pieces and crosses. Anselmino provides stability in the middle of the defense, allowing the unit to step up and squeeze the space between the midfield and the backline.

The midfield functions as a single bank of three players tasked with controlling the tempo and breaking lines. Tonali acts as the pivot to shield the back three, using his interception skills and high work rate to recover possession. Bellingham operates in the left central role to drive forward and link the play, while Frimpong occupies the right central spot to push higher and support the wide areas. This trio must cover significant ground to prevent counter attacks when the team loses the ball.

In the attacking phase, Borussia Dortmund deploys four players to stretch and break down the defense. Brandt operates on the right wing to cut inside and create chances, while Mastantuono stays wide on the left to provide width. Guirassy and Suarez operate as two central forwards, which requires them to hold up the ball and battle with central defenders. These four players press in a coordinated wave to keep the opposition pinned back.

This formation offers a massive advantage in terms of attacking numbers, often creating overloads in the penalty area. By playing with four attackers, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations once the ball is switched. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows the team to win the ball back quickly and launch immediate attacks.

This 3-3-4 formation is built for high risk, high reward football that prioritizes attacking dominance. It is best suited for matches against teams that sit deep and struggle to manage constant pressure in their own box.