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RB Salzburg Football Formation

Creation DateJune 25, 2024

Starting Lineup

Blaswich · Terzic · Dedic · Pavlovic · Solet · Gourna-Douath · Konaté · Fernando · Gloukh · Sucic · Bidstrup

RB Salzburg relies on an aggressive high press to dominate matches through a 5-2-3 formation. The team works to win it back high up the pitch and use verticality to strike before the opposition can settle. This lineup is built to play a heavy pressing game that forces turnovers in dangerous areas and uses speed of transition to punish mistakes.

Blaswich stays on his line to command the area and organize the unit. The defense operates as a back three where Gourna-Douath holds the center and covers the space behind the other defenders. Solet plays as the right centre-back to win the header and protect the zone, while Pavlovic acts as the left centre-back. Dedic and Terzic function as attacking wing backs who must provide the width. Dedic will overlap the winger on the right to stretch the defence, while Terzic pushes high to support the left side. The unit stays compact to deny the turn to any player receiving the ball.

In the middle of the pitch, Bidstrup and Sucic form a double pivot to control the center. Bidstrup acts to shield the defense and win the second ball when the opposition tries to play long. Sucic is the carrier who will drive forward with the ball and connect the defensive line to the front three. Sucic uses his passing range to switch play and find the players in space. They must press aggressively to win the ball high and stop the opposition from building from the back.

The attack features three players looking to exploit gaps. Konaté leads the line as the central striker to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. Gloukh plays as an inverted winger on the right and will cut inside to find pockets of space. Fernando operates on the left to get to the byline and deliver early crosses into the box. These forwards press from the front to force a long ball and create chances through runs in behind. They aim to combine in tight spaces to break the lines.

A key advantage for RB Salzburg is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to squeeze the space. The front line and the midfield two work to trigger a press that traps opponents. The team also creates wide overloads because Dedic and Terzic push so high. This allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations or whip it in for Konaté to attack the far post.

This formation is perfect for a high intensity game where the team can use speed of transition to catch opponents. It is best suited for matches against sides that try to play short from the back.