RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Focusing on a high press and vertical style of play, RB Salzburg utilizes a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to win it back high up the pitch and immediately attack the opposition. The goal is to squeeze the space and force turnovers in advanced areas to break quickly. By playing with such a high line, the team aims to dominate through constant pressure.

Schlager acts as the goalkeeper. The back line is a high line with Caufriez and Blank serving as the two central defenders. They must step up to set the offside trap and cover the space if the opposition hits in behind on the transition. The defensive unit functions by pushing up to compress the pitch, which requires them to defend man-to-man or win the second ball when the press is broken.

The midfield is a five man line that controls the center of the pitch. Dedic and Krätzig act as a double pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Bidstrup and Capaldo operate as central midfielders who carry the ball forward and arrive late into the box. Gloukh plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, using his dribbling style to link the midfield to the attack. This group works to compress the midfield and win it back high up the pitch to deny the pivot.

RB Salzburg uses three attackers to stretch the defence. Ratkov acts as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and fight for every ball. Vertessen and Konaté act as wide wingers who cut inside to create central threats. The attacking unit is designed to create runs in behind and use cutbacks from the byline. They look to combine in tight spaces and move the ball through the thirds to find the feet of the striker.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly numerical superiority in midfield. By occupying five central zones, Dedic, Krätzig, Bidstrup, Capaldo, and Gloukh can outnumber most opponents. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, which forces the opposition to play long balls. The speed of transition allows the team to hit in behind on the transition as soon as the ball is won.

This 2-5-3 formation defines a high intensity, vertical identity. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back and are prone to errors under pressure.