Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Marcos · Javetrao · Ronny · Petrovic · Daniel Pietro · Ramen · Zhelino · Withermenn · Depay jr · Harbush · Razzi

Borussia Dortmund operates with a 4-3-3 formation that focuses on a high press and vertical play. This lineup looks to win the ball high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition to catch the opposition out of position. The team aims to play with speed and directness to break the lines quickly and keep the pressure on the opponent.

In goal, Razzi keeps watch over the defensive unit. The back line functions as a flat back four with Harbush acting as the right back and Zhelino playing as the left back. Depay jr and Withermenn form the central pairing, where they must hold the line and cover for each other. Depay jr and Withermenn need to be ready to step up to squeeze the space or drop back to defend against runs in behind. The full backs, Harbush and Zhelino, must balance their defensive duties with the need to overlap the winger when the team has possession.

The midfield operates as a three man unit to control the center of the pitch. Petrovic sits in the pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. To his sides, Daniel Pietro and Ramen act as the runners who connect the defense to the attack. Daniel Pietro and Ramen need to press aggressively to win the ball high and also arrive late into the box to support the forwards. Petrovic is responsible to pick up runners and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. This midfield trio works to compress the midfield and deny the turn to opposing players.

Up front, the attack uses three players to stretch the defence. Marcos leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and link play. Javetrao plays on the left as an inverted winger who likes to cut inside, while Ronny stays wide on the right to provide width. The goal is to create chances through combinations in tight spaces or by using the width to spread wide. When the team wins the ball, Javetrao and Ronny look to attack the space behind the opposition full backs to deliver early crosses or cut it back for the oncoming midfielders.

One major strength of this Borussia Dortmund lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using the front three and the midfield trio together, they can win it back high up the pitch. Another advantage is the speed of transition, allowing the team to go direct once the ball is recovered. This creates constant pressure on the opposition back line and forces them to defend deep.

This 4-3-3 formation is built for a high intensity game that relies on winning the second ball and attacking quickly. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and can be caught out by vertical passing.