Bayer Leverkusen Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Patrik Schick · Malik Tillmann · Nathan Tella · Lucas Vasquez · Ezequiel Palacios · Robert Andrich · Alejandro Grimaldo · Edmond Tapsoba · Mark Flekken · Jarell Quansah · Loïc Badé

Bayer Leverkusen look to dominate the pitch through a high press and rapid verticality in a 3-4-3. This formation is built to squeeze the opposition in their own half and use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence. The intent is to win the ball high up the pitch and move through the thirds with speed.

Mark Flekken starts between the posts to play out from the back. The defensive unit operates as a back three where Loïc Badé sits in the middle to organize the line. Edmond Tapsoba acts as a ball playing defender on the left while Jarell Quansah occupies the right side to provide cover. This back three allows the team to remain compact when defending in a mid-block and provides a solid foundation to play short from the back.

In the middle of the pitch, Bayer Leverkusen employ a four man midfield. Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Palacios form a central pairing to control the tempo. Andrich works to shield the defence and win the second ball while Palacios looks to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive and attacking lines. On the flanks, Alejandro Grimaldo and Lucas Vasquez act as wide midfielders who provide the necessary width. Grimaldo is known for his passing range and set piece delivery, often pushing up to overlap the attackers.

The attacking line consists of three players designed to pin the last defender. Patrik Schick leads the line as a lone striker to hold up the ball and provide a central presence. On the wings, Malik Tillmann and Nathan Tella act as wide attackers. Tillmann looks to cut inside to create chances, while Tella uses his speed to make runs in behind the opposition line. This trio works to press from the front to force a long ball from the opponent.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Alejandro Grimaldo and Lucas Vasquez. By pushing the wingers high, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations. Additionally, the central pairing of Robert Andrich and Ezequiel Palacios allows for numerical superiority in midfield during transitions, making it difficult for opponents to bypass the central block.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on intense pressing and quick transitions to overwhelm the opponent. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and can be exploited in wide areas.