RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Krätzig · Veratschnig · Terzic · Drexler · Konaté · Vertessen · Kitano · Kjærgaard · Gourna-Douath · Redzic · Zawieschitzky

RB Salzburg looks to win the ball back high up the pitch using a heavy press. This vertical style of play is built around a 2-5-3 formation. The lineup aims to overwhelm opponents in their own half by pushing many bodies forward to squeeze the space and force errors.

Zawieschitzky stays between the posts to act as a sweeper behind a high line. The back line consists of just two central defenders, Terzic and Drexler, who must play with great focus. Terzic and Drexler often step up to intercept passes and must be ready to cover large amounts of ground if the opposition hits them in behind on the transition. This aggressive positioning means they often defend in a high line, requiring them to be ready to sprint back if the first wave of pressure is broken.

The midfield is the engine of RB Salzburg, utilizing a five man unit to control the center. Krätzig and Veratschnig act as a double pivot to shield the two defenders and recycle possession. Ahead of them, Kjærgaard and Gourna-Douath operate in the half spaces to drive forward with the ball and link the play. Kitano plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space and play through the lines. This group works to compress the midfield and ensure they always have a passing option to move the ball from the back to the front.

The attacking unit uses three players across the front to pin the last defender. Konaté operates as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the opposition build up. On the flanks, Vertessen and Redzic act as wide wingers who spread wide to stretch the defence. Vertessen and Redzic look to isolate a one on one wide or cut inside to create more central presence. The goal is to create runs in behind and use quick combinations to punish the opposition.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through numerical superiority in the midfield. By packing the center, the team can win the second ball and immediately transition into attack. The high press allows the side to win it back high up the pitch, creating many chances close to the goal.

The 2-5-3 formation is a high risk, high reward system centered on intense pressing and verticality. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession and force the opponent into mistakes through constant pressure.