RB Leipzig Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- P. Gulácsi
4- W. Orbán
23- C. Lukeba
2- N. Collins*
40- Rômulo
13- N. Seiwald
24- X. Schlager
14- C. Baumgartner
10- B. Gruda
22- D. Raum
11- L. Nmecha*

RB Leipzig utilizes a 3-5-2 formation designed for a high press and rapid verticality. This lineup focuses on controlling the center of the pitch and using aggressive ball recovery to trigger quick attacks. The goal is to squeeze the opponent in their own half and force turnovers in dangerous areas.

Péter Gulácsi starts in goal to command the area and distribute the ball to start builds. The back three consists of W. Orbán, C. Lukeba, and N. Collins. W. Orbán acts as a ball playing defender to break lines with his passing, while C. Lukeba provides coverage and N. Collins offers aerial strength. The wide players in this defensive unit, B. Gruda and D. Raum, must cover the entire flank to provide width when attacking and drop back to form a five man line when defending deep.

The midfield operates with a single pivot and two central runners. N. Seiwald sits in front of the defense to shield the back three and intercept passes. X. Schlager and C. Baumgartner occupy the central roles, with X. Schlager driving forward into the box and C. Baumgartner connecting the lines by moving between the midfield and attack. This central trio works to maintain compactness and ensure the team can shift quickly from one side to the other.

In the final third, RB Leipzig employs two strikers to pin back the opposition defenders. Rômulo leads the line as the lone striker, while L. Nmecha plays as a second striker to exploit spaces between the lines. The attack relies on the width provided by B. Gruda and D. Raum to stretch the defense. These wingers look to cross the ball into the center or cut inside to create shooting opportunities, while the two forwards press the opposing center backs to prevent clean distribution.

One major tactical advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front two and the midfield trio to suffocate the opponent. Another strength is the numerical superiority in central areas, which allows the team to dominate possession in the middle of the pitch. The presence of N. Collins and W. Orbán also makes the team very difficult to beat during set pieces due to their physical presence.

This 3-5-2 formation creates a heavy presence in the middle of the park and relies on intense running. It is a formation best suited for facing teams that try to build play slowly from the back.