Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Svensson · Anton · Gadou · Ryerson · Chukwuemeka · Veerman · Sabitzer · Beier · Nwaneri · Konstantelias · Kobel

Borussia Dortmund looks to play with high intensity and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. The team seeks to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can settle. This lineup is designed to stretch the defence while maintaining enough numbers at the back to defend against direct attacks.

Kobel acts as the last line of defence in goal. The defensive unit operates as a back five that can shift between a narrow block and a wider coverage. Veerman and Gadou hold the central positions to defend zonally, with Veerman acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks. Anton sits as the left centre back to cover the space behind the wing back. Ryerson operates as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while Svensson works on the left to push high and overlap the midfield.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the centre of the pitch. Sabitzer works to connect the defensive and attacking lines, using his driving runs to carry the ball forward. Chukwuemeka plays as a carrier in the central area to help press aggressively and win the second ball. This pair must hold a compact shape to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines while looking to find the attackers as soon as possession is regained.

In the attacking third, Borussia Dortmund uses three attackers to pin the opposition back line. Beier plays as a pressing centre forward to lead the front line and harass the defenders. Nwaneri and Konstantelias act as wide wingers who look to cut inside and create chances in the half spaces. The team builds attacks through quick combinations, looking to hit in behind on the transition or deliver crosses from the wide areas created by the wing backs.

This formation provides significant tactical advantages through the speed of transition. The presence of the wing backs allows for wide overloads that can isolate wide players in one on one situations. Additionally, the back five offers compactness when defending against teams that try to play through the middle, making it difficult for opponents to find space between the lines.

Borussia Dortmund utilizes this formation to catch opponents on the break and dominate the wide areas. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.