Freiburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Jordy Makengo · Lukas Kübler · Noah Atubolu · Matthias Ginter · Phillip Lienhart · Maximilian Eggestein · Johan Manzambi · Jan-Niklas Beste · Patrick Osterhage · Lucas Höler · Vincenzo Grifo

Freiburg seeks to play a high press game to win the ball high up the pitch, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to stay compact while using quick transitions to catch opponents out of position. The team aims to control the tempo through central connections before spreading wide to stretch the defence.

Noah Atubolu operates between the posts to command his area. The back line functions as a flat back four with Matthias Ginter and Phillip Lienhart acting as the central defenders. Ginter provides strength in the air and covers space behind the line, while Lienhart plays out from the back to initiate attacks. Lukas Kübler and Jordy Makengo act as full backs who push high to provide width. This defensive unit works to squeeze the space between the lines and maintains a high line to keep the team compact.

In the middle of the pitch, the team uses a three-man midfield. Maximilian Eggestein and Patrick Osterhage work to shield the defence and win the second ball in the middle third. Eggestein often carries the ball forward to drive the team into the attacking third. Johan Manzambi plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to play through the lines and find pockets of space. This group connects the defensive unit to the front line by recycling possession and finding the feet of the attackers.

The attacking front line consists of three players designed to create constant movement. Vincenzo Grifo and Jan-Niklas Beste operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal. Grifo is known for his set piece delivery and his ability to whip it in from wide areas. Lucas Höler acts as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and create runs in behind. The wingers often drop deep to help the midfield, while Höler stays central to hold up the ball and allow others to arrive late into the box.

Freiburg possesses several tactical advantages due to this lineup. The team can create wide overloads when Lukas Kübler overlaps the winger to provide crosses. They also benefit from the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The presence of Grifo and Beste in the half-spaces allows for quick combinations in tight spaces to break the line.

This 4-3-3 formation creates a cohesive unit that relies on intense pressing and quick verticality. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.