Borussia Dortmund Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Perin · Piszcek (LD) · Jones (CT) · Koscielny (CT) · Julio Cesar (LI) · Arteta (MC) · Miccoli (ID) · Alexis (MP) · Alaba (II) · RVP (SD) · Lewandowski (DC)

Borussia Dortmund looks to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike on the transition using a 5-3-2. This lineup relies on a heavy press and direct vertical movements to catch opponents off guard. The goal is to create chaos through quick transitions once the ball is recovered in the middle or attacking thirds.

Perin guards the goal while the defensive unit sits in a compact back five. Arteta sits at the center of the defense to organize the line and clear the lines. Koscielny acts as a ball playing defender alongside Jones, who provides cover and aerial strength. Piszcek and Julio Cesar act as attacking wing backs to provide width, pushing high to overlap the midfield and stretch the opposition.

The midfield operates as a three man midfield with a carrier. Alaba and Miccoli play as inverted eights, looking to press aggressively and win the second ball in the center. Alexis plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, tasked to find the feet of the striker and play through the lines. This trio connects the defensive block to the front line, with players like Alaba looking to carry the ball forward into space.

Borussia Dortmund uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Lewandowski acts as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and harass the opposition back line. RVP plays as a second striker in the hole, dropping into pockets of space to link up play between the lines. The movement is designed to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to deliver crosses from wide areas to find the attackers in the box.

One main advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when Piszcek and Julio Cesar push forward. The team also benefits from extreme compactness when defending, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. This allows the side to switch play quickly and catch teams in transition.

This formation is built for a high press and rapid counter attacking football. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high defensive line and leave space behind their defenders.