Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kobel (Meyer) · Anton (GADOU / Can) · Schlotterbeck (Reggiani) · Ryerson (BAUM) · Bensebaini (PRATES) · Bellingham (EICHHORN / Kaba) · Nmecha (Chukwuemeka) · KARETSAS (Inácio / Lerma) · SANCHO (Beier / Lerma) · EL MALA (Beier / Albert) · TRESOLDI (PONOMARENKO)

Borussia Dortmund utilizes a 4-3-3 formation designed to play a high press and rapid vertical football. This lineup focuses on winning the ball back early and driving it forward quickly to catch opponents out of position. The team aims to dominate the central areas while using quick transitions to exploit space behind the opposition back line.

Kobel acts as the last line of defense, providing stability from the goal. The back line functions as a flat back four where Ryerson and Bensebaini act as overlapping full backs to provide width in the attacking phase. In the center, Anton and Schlotterbeck operate as the primary defenders, with Schlotterbeck often stepping up to intercept passes and Anton providing aerial strength. This unit works to stay compact and push a high line to squeeze the playing area.

The midfield operates with a mix of roles to connect the defense to the attack. Bellingham plays as a central engine who drives forward with his ball carrying ability and high energy, while Nmecha works to shield the defense and break the lines with his passing. KARETSAS operates in an attacking ten role, finding pockets of space between the opposition lines to create chances. This group tries to control the tempo by moving the ball through the middle before switching play to the flanks.

Borussia Dortmund employs three attackers to stretch the opposition defense. TRESOLDI leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. On the wings, SANCHO and EL MALA act as inverted wingers who look to cut inside and create goal scoring opportunities. This front three forces the opposing defenders to stay narrow, which creates room for the wide midfielders to run into.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to force mistakes. The team also benefits from wide overloads, as the overlapping runs of Bensebaini and Ryerson create extra passing options. Furthermore, the ball carrying of Bellingham allows the team to transition from defense to attack with great speed, often bypassing the opposition midfield entirely.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on intense pressing and rapid verticality to break down opponents. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high defensive line or struggle to maintain possession under pressure.