Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1. Kobel
49. Reggiani
3. Anton
4. Schlotterbeck
26. Ryerson
14. Beier
20. Sabitzer
7. Bellingham
10. Brandt
40. Inacio
9. Guirassy

Borussia Dortmund utilizes a 3-4-3 formation designed for high intensity and quick transitions. This lineup focuses on a high press to win the ball back quickly in the opponent half. The goal is to use the wide areas to stretch the opposition and create space for central penetrative runs.

Kobel acts as the last line of defense, often playing a sweeping role to cover the space behind the back line. The defensive trio consists of Reggiani, Anton, and Schlotterbeck. Anton and Schlotterbeck provide strength in the air and cover the central zone, while Reggiani focuses on tracking runners in the wide areas. This back three allows the team to maintain a high line when pushing forward.

The midfield operates with two central players and two wide players. Sabitzer and Bellingham occupy the central spaces, with Bellingham using his driving runs and ball carrying to break the line. Sabitzer helps to connect the defense to the attack and provides passing range. Beier and Ryerson play as wide midfielders, providing width by pushing high up the pitch to support the attack and then tracking back to defend the flanks.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund uses three forwards to pin back the opposition defense. Guirassy acts as the lone striker, using his hold up the ball ability to bring others into play. Brandt and Inacio operate as wide attackers, with Brandt looking to cut inside to create chances and Inacio providing pace on the flank. This front line is designed to press the opponent ball carriers heavily to force turnovers.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, specifically the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The wide midfielders, Beier and Ryerson, can create wide overloads when they overlap the attackers. This setup also allows the team to maintain compactness when defending by dropping into a five man line once the transition begins.

The 3-4-3 lineup is built for aggressive, vertical football that seeks to dominate the ball in the final third. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or struggle to handle intense pressure in their own half.