Freiburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

N. Atubolu (1) · K. Sildillia (25) · M. Ginter (28) · P. Lienhart (3) · C. Gunter (30) · K. Schmidt (4) · M. Rohl (34) · P. Osterhage (6) · V. Grifo (32) · R. Doan (42) · M. Gregoritsh (38)

Freiburg looks to dominate through a direct and aggressive high press in a 5-2-3. This formation focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and using quick vertical transitions to catch the opposition out of position. The goal is to squeeze the space in the final third and use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence.

N. Atubolu starts between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of M. Ginter, P. Lienhart, and K. Schmidt. M. Ginter acts as the central figure to organize the line, while P. Lienhart and K. Schmidt provide cover and win the second ball. The wide defenders, K. Sildillia and C. Gunter, act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width and overlap the attackers. This setup ensures that Freiburg remains compact when defending in a mid-block but can quickly transition into a wide threat.

In the middle of the pitch, Freiburg employs a double pivot. M. Rohl and P. Osterhage sit in front of the back three to shield the defence and intercept passes. These two players are tasked with winning possession and immediately looking to progress through the thirds. M. Rohl often carries the ball forward to connect the defensive line with the front three, while P. Osterhage works to cover the space left behind as the wing backs push up. This midfield duo works to keep the team compact and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

The attacking line features three players positioned to attack the space behind the opposition defence. M. Gregoritsh operates as the pressing centre-forward, working to pin the last defender and lead the hunt for the ball. On the flanks, V. Grifo and R. Doan act as wide attackers who cut inside to create chances. V. Grifo uses his passing range and set piece delivery to find teammates, while R. Doan looks to drive at defenders and play through the lines. This front line creates constant pressure, using combinations to break the line and deliver crosses into the box.

One major strength for Freiburg is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, forcing the opponent into mistakes. The formation also provides wide overloads when K. Sildillia and C. Gunter join the wingers, creating two on one situations against full backs. This allows the team to spread wide and switch play effectively to find openings in a crowded defence.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a high intensity game that relies on defensive solidity and rapid vertical attacks. It is best suited for facing teams that play a high line and struggle to defend against quick transitions.