Basel Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Schmid · Tsunemoto · van Breemen · Daniliuc · Koindredi · Broschinski · Traoré · Shaqiri · Leroy · Otele · Hitz

Basel look to overwhelm opponents with a high press and verticality. The 2-5-3 formation is built to stay high up the pitch and dominate the central areas. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly move it into the final third to catch the defence out of position.

Hitz stays in goal to manage the high line used by the team. The defensive unit consists of only two central defenders, van Breemen and Daniliuc, who must stay alert to cover space behind them. These two act as ball playing defenders to play short from the back and progress the ball. They defend zonally and must be ready to step up to catch opponents offside or drop deep to cover runs in behind.

A five man midfield provides the engine for Basel. Tsunemoto and Schmid form a double pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Koindredi and Leroy play in the half spaces to connect the defence and the attack. Shaqiri plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, where he uses his dribbling style and passing range to break the line. This midfield unit works to squeeze the space and win it back high up the pitch.

Three attackers work together to stretch the defence. Traoré and Otele act as wide wingers who cut inside to create overloads in the middle. Broschinski works as a pressing centre forward to force the opposition back. The team looks to attack in combinations, using the movement of the wingers to create space for Shaqiri to play through the lines. Upon winning the ball, they hit in behind on the transition to catch the opponent out of position.

This formation offers great numerical superiority in midfield to control the game. Having five players in the middle makes it difficult for the opponent to find space between the lines. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The front three and Shaqiri can trigger a press to win the ball back high up the pitch and immediately attack. Such high pressure makes it hard for teams to play out from the back.

The 2-5-3 formation is a heavy attacking lineup focused on high pressure. It is best suited for matches where Basel can dominate the ball and pin the opponent into a low block.