RB Leipzig Football Formation

Starting Lineup

KIMMICH · SABITZER · UPAMECANO · KONATÉ · LAIMER · ANGELIÑO · DANI OLMO · SORLOTH · LOOKMAN · LUKEBA · GULACSI

RB Leipzig focuses on a high press and quick transitions through a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move the play forward rapidly to exploit gaps in the opposition. The team relies on intense running and verticality to catch opponents before they can set their defensive line.

Péter Gulácsi starts between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Lukeba, Upamecano, and Konaté. Lukeba acts as a ball playing defender, while Konaté and Upamecano use their strength to win the header and cover space. This back three provides a solid base that can shift into a wider block when the wing backs push up. The unit works to squeeze the space between the lines and keep the distances short.

In the center of the pitch, RB Leipzig employs a three man midfield with a carrier to control the tempo. Kimmich acts as the deep lying playmaker, looking to find the feet of the striker or switch play to the flanks. Beside him, Sabitzer works to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch and drives forward with the ball to carry it into the final third. Dani Olmo plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, finding pockets of space to create and play through the lines. Angeliño and Laimer operate as wing backs, providing width and tracking back to help the defense.

The attacking unit uses two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defense. Lookman acts as a pressing centre forward, using his pace to run in behind the last defender. Beside him, Sorloth works as a target man to hold up the ball and win the second ball. This pair creates movement through combinations, with Lookman often cutting inside to find goal scoring chances. The wing backs, Angeliño and Laimer, provide constant support to create wide overloads and deliver crosses into the box.

One major advantage is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. The presence of Kimmich and Dani Olmo allows the team to control the center of the pitch and progress through the thirds effectively. Additionally, the combination of Sorloth and Lookman offers a dual threat of aerial strength and pure speed in transition.

This 3-5-2 formation is designed for a high intensity game that relies on winning the ball back quickly. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play under pressure or leave space behind their midfield.