RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Terzic · Dedic · Konaté · Gloukh · Fernando · Gourna-Douath · Bidstrup · Kjærgaard · Piatkowski · S. Baidoo · Blaswich

RB Salzburg aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with speed on the transition. This high pressing identity is executed through a 5-2-3 formation. The team looks to squeeze the space in the opposition half and use vertical passing to catch defenders out of position.

Blaswich guards the goal and organizes the defensive unit. The back line functions as a five man unit, using a high line to keep the team compact. Gourna-Douath sits in the center to win the header and sweep behind the other defenders. Piatkowski and S. Baidoo act as wide centre backs, providing cover for the wing backs as they push forward. Dedic and Terzic occupy the wing back roles, where they act as attacking wing backs to provide width and overlap the wingers.

The midfield operates as a double pivot with Kjærgaard and Bidstrup controlling the center. Bidstrup focuses on winning the second ball and shielding the back three. Kjærgaard works to connect the lines, often dropping deep to receive and then carrying the ball forward to break the lines. They work to squeeze the space in the middle and prevent opponents from playing through the lines.

The attacking unit uses three players to stretch the opposition defence. Konaté plays as a lone striker to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. Gloukh operates on the left as an inverted winger who looks to cut inside and find the feet of teammates in the box. Fernando stays wide on the right to stretch the pitch and deliver crosses. These movements allow the team to attack in combinations and hit in behind on the transition.

One major advantage of this lineup is the ability to create wide overloads. When Dedic and Terzic push up, they force the opposition to defend against large numbers on the flanks. The team also benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, which triggers a press to win it back high up the pitch. This creates many chances to isolate Gloukh and Fernando in one on one situations.

This formation is designed for a high tempo game that relies on intense pressing and quick transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to defend space behind their defensive line.