Austria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Alaba · Laimer · Danso · Lienhart · Arnautovic · Schlager · Seiwald · Sabitzer · R. Schmid · Wanner · Schlager

Austria relies on a high press and heavy verticality using a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward as fast as possible. The team seeks to dominate territory through constant pressure. The goal is to squeeze the pitch and force mistakes from the opponent in their own half.

Schlager stands between the posts to guard the goal. Lienhart and Danso form a central pair in a high line. They must be ready to cover the wide areas when the team pushes up. Lienhart and Danso act as ball playing defenders who can play short from the back to start attacks. They must be dominant in the air to win the second ball when the press is broken.

The midfield unit is central to how Austria operates. Alaba drops deep to receive the ball and recycle possession. Laimer works to drive forward with the ball and provide energy in the middle. Schlager and Seiwald occupy the central roles to shield the defense and pick up runners. Sabitzer plays as an attacking ten in the hole to create chances and arrive late into the box. This five man block allows the team to control the center and play through the lines. The connection between the defense and the attack depends on these players finding the right pockets of space.

Three attackers lead the front line to stretch the defense. Arnautovic plays as a target man to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. R. Schmid operates as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and look for a shot. Wanner stays wide on the right to spread the play and deliver early crosses. This front three works to pin the last defender and create runs in behind.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This puts immense pressure on the opposition to clear the lines. Another strength is the numerical superiority in the midfield which helps to control the tempo. The team can also use the width provided by the wingers to isolate wide players in one on one situations. This allows the team to transition quickly once the ball is recovered.

This 2-5-3 lineup is designed for a high intensity game. It is most effective against teams that try to play out from the back and leave space behind their defense.