Hertha BSC Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Klemens · Pinguin · Eitschberger · Zeefuik · Brekalo · Jan Luca Schuler · Lum · Sessa · Gersbeck · Thorsteinsson · Kolbe

Focusing on directness and verticality, Hertha BSC utilizes a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup is built to play a high tempo game that looks to break the line quickly and stretch the defence. The team aims to control the middle of the pitch while remaining ready to counter at pace once the ball is won.

Gersbeck operates between the posts to manage the defensive unit. The back line consists of a flat back four that works to hold the line and maintain compactness. Klemens and Kolbe act as the central defenders, tasked to defend zonally and win the header when the opposition delivers crosses. Eitschberger functions as an attacking full back to push forward and provide width, while Zeefuik covers the space behind him to ensure the defense stays solid during transitions.

The midfield features a double pivot consisting of Lum and Pinguin. Lum drops between the centre backs to receive the ball and help play out from the back, while Pinguin works to intercept passes and win the second ball in front of the defense. Thorsteinsson and Sessa occupy the wide positions to connect the midfield to the attack. Thorsteinsson pushes up to support the play, while Sessa looks to carry the ball forward to create chances and overlap the winger.

Up front, the team uses a partnership of two strikers to occupy the opposition centre backs. Jan Luca Schuler acts as a target man to hold up the ball and pin the last defender, creating room for Brekalo to make runs in behind. The two forwards work to press the opposition back line to force a long ball and win it back high up the pitch. They often combine in tight spaces to create openings or look to hit in behind on the transition.

One major strength of this Hertha BSC lineup is the ability to press in a mid-block to squeeze the space. This forces the opponent to play wide and away from the center, making them easier to mark. Additionally, the formation provides excellent speed of transition, allowing the team to switch play rapidly or find the feet of the striker once the ball is won in the middle third.

This 4-4-2 formation provides a balanced way to attack both through the middle and the flanks. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to defend against two strikers or leave large gaps in the channels for runners to exploit.