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RB Salzburg Football Formation

Creation DateJune 6, 2025

Starting Lineup

Krätzig · Blank · Gadou · Capaldo · Konaté · Daghim · Vertessen · Gloukh · Bidstrup · Dedic · Schlager

RB Salzburg aims to dominate through intense pressing and verticality using a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is designed to win the ball high up the pitch and move toward the goal as fast as possible. The team uses this formation to squeeze the space in the middle and create constant pressure on the opponent.

Schlager stays between the two central defenders to act as a sweeper behind a high line. Gadou and Blank form a narrow defensive duo that must be prepared to step up and intercept passes to keep the play moving. These two central defenders must be dominant in the air and quick to cover for each other if the opposition breaks through the initial press. The back line works as a single unit to maintain a high position and keep the team compact while the rest of the unit pushes up.

The midfield works as a five man block to control the center of the pitch. Dedic and Krätzig play as a double pivot to protect the defense and recycle possession when under pressure. Bidstrup and Capaldo act as two midfielders who carry the ball forward and link the defensive and attacking lines. Gloukh plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines to find the forwards. This midfield unit is key to winning the second ball and preventing the opposition from building play.

In the attacking third, the team utilizes three players to stretch the opposition. Konaté leads the line as the central striker, using his presence to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. Vertessen and Daghim play as wide attackers who often cut inside to create extra numbers in the box and isolate defenders. This combination allows the team to attack in transitions, with the wingers making runs in behind or pulling wide to whip it in.

One major advantage of this formation is the numerical superiority in the midfield. By packing the middle, RB Salzburg can press in coordinated waves and force a long ball from the opponent. The team also creates wide overloads when the midfielders push up to support the wingers, making it difficult for the opponent to defend against the rapid movement.

This high pressing formation is built to overwhelm opponents through central dominance and rapid transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that try to play out from the back or struggle to handle high intensity.