Basel Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Basel looks to dominate games through a heavy press and quick transitions, utilizing a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to control the center of the pitch and use wide players to stretch the opposition. The goal is to win the ball back high up the pitch and immediately look to exploit spaces behind the defensive line.

Hitz stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back three features Daniliuc as the right centre back, Barisic in the middle, and van Breemen as the left centre back. Daniliuc and van Breemen act as ball playing defenders to help play out from the back. Barisic provides aerial strength and presence in the middle of the line. This defensive unit can shift into a back five when Schmid and Tsunemoto drop back to cover the flanks.

A central midfield three provides the engine for Basel. Koindredi and Leroy operate as the central pair to shield the defence and win the second ball. Koindredi often looks to carry the ball forward to link the lines, while Leroy stays closer to the defensive block to intercept passes. Shaqiri plays as an attacking ten behind the two forwards, acting as the main creator. He finds the feet of the strikers and tries to play through the lines to break the opposition block.

The attack relies on a partnership of two forwards. Traoré and Otele lead the line, working together to press the opposition back line. Traoré often looks to run in behind, while Otele can hold up the ball to bring others into play. Schmid and Tsunemoto provide the width from the wide areas, allowing the team to overlap the wingers. This movement creates chances for cutbacks from the byline or crosses into the box for the two strikers to attack the near post or far post.

This formation offers Basel significant numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch. By using three central midfielders and an attacking ten, they can often outnumber opponents in the half spaces. Another advantage is the ability to create wide overloads. When Schmid or Tsunemoto push up, they force the opposition winger to track back, which can leave space for Shaqiri to exploit.

The 3-5-2 formation provides a balance of defensive stability and attacking intent. It is a formation best suited for games where the team wants to control the central areas and strike quickly on the break.