Stuttgart Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Chema Andres · Tiago Tomas · Bilal El Khannouss · Atakan Karazor · Angelo Stiller · Josha Vagnoman · Finn Jeltsch · Jeff Chabot · Alexander Nübel · Ramon Hendriks · Jamie LewelingStuttgart relies on a heavy high press to win the ball back high up the pitch in a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to play vertical football that looks to attack the opposition defense as quickly as possible once possession is regained. By using three attackers and a busy midfield, the team aims to create constant pressure and force mistakes in the opponent's half.
Alexander Nübel acts as the last line of defense behind a back three. Jeff Chabot sits in the center of the defensive line to win the header and clear the lines, while Finn Jeltsch and Ramon Hendriks operate as wide centre-backs. These two are expected to cover the spaces left when the midfield pushes up and to step into midfield to help progress the ball. The defensive unit stays compact to ensure they are not caught out by long balls.
The midfield functions as a central engine to connect the defense to the attack. Atakan Karazor sits deep to shield the defense and recycle possession, while Angelo Stiller works to play through the lines with his passing range. Chema Andres provides energy to drive forward with the ball and help win the second ball in the middle of the pitch. Bilal El Khannouss operates in the space behind the striker, looking to create chances and receive the ball on the half-turn to split the defense with a through ball.
In the final third, Stuttgart uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. Tiago Tomas leads the line as a pressing centre-forward, working to pin the last defender and disrupt the build up. Jamie Leweling and Josha Vagnoman play as wide attackers who want to cut inside to create goal scoring opportunities. This front line works to pull wide and create space for late runs from the midfield, using quick combinations to attack the space between the opposition full backs and centre backs.
One major tactical advantage for Stuttgart is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. The formation also allows for numerical superiority in the central areas when Bilal El Khannouss drops deep. This setup makes the team very dangerous in transition, especially when they can quickly find the wingers to isolate a one on one wide.
This 3-4-3 formation is designed to dominate games through aggressive pressing and verticality. It is best suited for facing teams that try to build play slowly from their goalkeeper.