RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Gourna-Douath · Ratkov · Vertessen · Daghim · Kjærgaard · Bidstrup · Lainer · Krätzig · Rasmussen · Piatkowski · Schlager

RB Salzburg looks to win the ball back high up the pitch using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a heavy pressing game that relies on quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The team aims to squeeze the space in the opposition half to force a long ball or a turnover.

Schlager stays between the posts to guard the goal. The defensive unit functions as a back five that can shift depending on the position of the ball. Gourna-Douath sits in the middle of the three center backs to hold the line and protect the center. Piatkowski and Rasmussen play as wide center backs, where they must cover the wide areas and step up to intercept passes. Lainer and Krätzig act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width and overlap the wingers.

The midfield operates with a double pivot of Kjærgaard and Bidstrup. Kjærgaard works to carry the ball forward and play through the lines to link the defense with the attack. Bidstrup plays a more central role to shield the defense and win the second ball when the ball is contested. This pair must press in a mid-block to prevent the opponent from playing through the center. They are responsible for recycling possession and finding the feet of the striker.

In the attacking third, the team uses three attackers. Ratkov acts as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and find space between the defenders. Vertessen and Daghim play as inverted wingers who cut inside to attack the near post or the far post. This movement opens up space for Lainer and Krätzig to get to the byline and whip it in. The attackers look to play one-two combinations to break the line and create runs in behind.

One major advantage of this 5-2-3 formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The team can create wide overloads when the wing backs join the attackers to stretch the defense. This formation also allows for great speed of transition, as the players are ready to break quickly once the ball is won. The presence of three center backs ensures the team can defend zonally and remain compact when they have to sit deep.

This formation is designed to dominate through intensity and rapid attacking movements. It is most effective against teams that struggle to play out from the back and allow for high pressure.