Union Berlin Football Formation

Starting Lineup

F. Rønnow · D. Doekhi · K. Vogt · Diogo Leite · J. Haberer (C. Trimmel) · A. Schäfer (Tousart / Kemlein) · R. Khedira · T. Rothe · B. Hollerbach · Jeong Wooyeong (Y. Vertessen) · J. Siebatcheu (Y. Vertessen)

Union Berlin prioritizes a direct and vertical style of play to catch opponents on the turn, operating primarily within a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit in a mid-block and look to hit in behind on the transition whenever the opposition loses control of the ball. The team focuses on winning the second ball and using high energy to disrupt the rhythm of more possession based sides.

F. Rønnow acts as the last line of defense, providing stability from the goal. The defensive unit functions as a back three, with Diogo Leite acting as the left centre-back and D. Doekhi serving as the right centre-back. K. Vogt sits in the middle to organize the line and provide aerial strength. This back three stays compact to deny space between the lines, while the wide players are tasked with tracking back to form a five when the team defends deep.

The midfield works as a pair of central midfielders supported by wide players to maintain balance. R. Khedira and A. Schäfer operate in the center to squeeze the space in the middle and protect the defenders. Khedira helps to shield the defense, while Schäfer looks to carry the ball forward to link the units. On the flanks, T. Rothe and J. Haberer act as wing backs, providing the width needed to stretch the defense and helping to press in a mid-block to force a long ball from the opponent.

In the attacking phase, Union Berlin utilizes three attackers to pin the last defender. J. Siebatcheu leads the line as a central presence to hold up the ball and win headers. Jeong Wooyeong and B. Hollerbach occupy the wide areas, acting as inverted wingers who look to cut inside and find space between the lines. This front three works to press the opposition back line, creating opportunities for runs in behind or for the wingers to receive the ball in one on one situations.

The tactical advantages of this formation include the ability to press in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. By using the wing backs of J. Haberer and T. Rothe, the team can create wide overloads to bypass the midfield. Additionally, the compactness of the back three consisting of Diogo Leite, K. Vogt, and D. Doekhi makes it difficult for opponents to play through the middle.

This 3-4-3 formation allows Union Berlin to remain defensively solid while being lethal on the break. It is a system best suited for facing teams that play with a high line and leave space behind their defenders.