Borussia Dortmund II Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23. INAGAKI
8. NAGANO
15. TAKESHIMA
6. SUGAWARA
29. KOIZUMI
16. KURODA
20. OTOMO (C)
2. MATSUNAGA
18. TACHIBANA
24. AKIYAMA.R
9. OSIECK

Borussia Dortmund II focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch and hitting in behind on the transition using a 5-2-3. This formation is built to play with high energy, relying on quick breaks and wide overloads to stretch the opposition. The team looks to use the width of the pitch to create chances when they transition from a mid-block to an attacking phase.

In goal, INAGAKI acts as the last line of defense. The defensive unit operates in a back five with KURODA sitting central to anchor the line. NAGANO and TAKESHIMA act as the wide centre-backs, tasked with covering the spaces behind the wing backs and winning headers during defensive transitions. KOIZUMI and SUGAWARA operate as attacking wing backs, tasked with providing width and overlapping the wingers. The defenders must hold the line and defend zonally to ensure the team remains compact when the opponent has possession.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of MATSUNAGA and the captain, OTOMO (C). OTOMO (C) works to protect the central area and connects the defensive and attacking lines by recycling possession. MATSUNAGA is tasked with driving forward with the ball to link the play. This pair must sit deep when out of possession to prevent the opponent from playing through the lines, while also looking to intercept passes to trigger a quick counter.

Borussia Dortmund II utilizes three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. OSIECK acts as a pressing centre-forward, working to harass the opposition centre-backs and hold up the ball. AKIYAMA.R and TACHIBANA act as wide wingers who stretch the defence by hugging the touchline. These movements create space in the middle for OSIECK to find the feet of the striker or for the wingers to cut inside and shoot. The attack is designed to create runs in behind and deliver early crosses to the far post.

The primary tactical advantages for Borussia Dortmund II include the wide overloads created by KOIZUMI and SUGAWARA, which force the opposition to defend large areas of the pitch. The team also benefits from a high press in coordinated waves, using the front three to force a long ball from the opponent. This setup allows for quick speed of transition when the ball is won back in the attacking third.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for teams that want to exploit spaces on the counter and use wing backs for width. It is best suited for facing opponents who play a high defensive line and leave gaps behind their defenders.