Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

N.Schlotterbeck (Basebaini) · W.Anton (N.Sule) · E.Can (Reggiani) · C.Inao Oulaï (Chukwuemeka) · Nmecha (Sabitzer) · M.Gusto (Y.Couto) · Svensson (Basebaini) · J.Sancho (J.Bellingham) · Adeyemi (Beier) · F.Aslani (F.Silva) · Kobel

Borussia Dortmund aims to dominate through a high press and quick verticality in a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike before the opposition can settle into a defensive block. The team seeks to use wide areas to stretch the defence and create chaos in the final third.

Kobel stays between the posts to organize the back line and act as a sweeping goalkeeper when the team pushes up. A back three consisting of E.Can, W.Anton, and N.Schlotterbeck provides a solid foundation. E.Can operates as a right centre-back to cover the wide area, while N.Schlotterbeck acts as a left centre-back with the ability to carry the ball forward into midfield. W.Anton holds the central position to win the header and command the area during defensive transitions.

The midfield works as a four man unit to control the center and the flanks. Svensson and M.Gusto occupy the wide midfield roles, tasked with providing width and tracking back to support the defenders. In the middle, C.Inao Oulaï and Nmecha operate as the central pair. Nmecha helps to shield the defence, while C.Inao Oulaï looks to drive forward with the ball and connect the defensive and attacking lines. This group works to squeeze the space in a mid-block and win the second ball.

The attack features three players across the front line to pin the last defender. J.Sancho and Adeyemi act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances, while F.Aslani plays as the lone striker. F.Aslani must hold up the ball to allow the wide players to join the attack. J.Sancho uses his dribbling style to pull wide and isolate defenders, while Adeyemi looks to hit in behind on the transition. The movement of these forwards is designed to create cutbacks from the byline and runs in behind.

Borussia Dortmund benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, forcing the opposition into mistakes. The formation also provides width overloads when M.Gusto and Svensson overlap the winger. This creates many one on one situations in the wide areas.

This 3-4-3 formation is a heavy pressing system designed to suffocate opponents. It is best suited for games where the team needs to force a long ball and exploit spaces left by an advancing opponent.