RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Terzic · Dedic · S. Baidoo · Gourna-Douath · Bajcetic · Bidstrup · Capaldo · Ratkov · Gloukh · Clark · Schlager

RB Salzburg plays a high press game using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and transition quickly. The team looks to squeeze the space in the opposition half and force errors. This formation is all about verticality and speed to punish mistakes.

Schlager acts as the goalkeeper, often sweeping behind a high line. The back five uses Bajcetic as the central anchor to hold the line, with Gourna-Douath on the right and S. Baidoo on the left. Dedic and Terzic play as attacking wing backs to provide width and stretch the defence. Dedic pushes up to overlap the winger, while Terzic covers the left flank to ensure the team stays compact when defending. The unit works to defend zonally and push the opposition back.

The midfield relies on a two man central block with Bidstrup and Capaldo. They function as a double pivot to control the middle of the pitch. Capaldo works to intercept passes and cover ground, while Bidstrup drives forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. This pairing must press aggressively to win the ball high and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. They are responsible for recycling possession and finding the attackers quickly once the ball is won.

The front three features Ratkov as a pressing centre forward. Gloukh and Clark operate as wide attackers, but they often cut inside to create more central presence. Gloukh uses his dribbling to break the line, while Clark seeks to pull wide and whip it in. Ratkov holds up the ball to allow the midfielders to arrive late into the box. This attacking unit is designed to pin the last defender and create runs in behind through quick combinations.

One major advantage for RB Salzburg is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using the front three and the wing backs, they create wide overloads that force the opposition to shift constantly. The formation also offers great speed of transition. Once Bidstrup or Capaldo win the ball, the team can hit in behind on the transition before the opposition can set the offside trap.

This 5-2-3 formation creates a relentless attacking force through high pressing and rapid transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.