RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Krätzig · Drexler · Terzic · Tabakovic · Konaté · Vertessen · Kitano · Schmid · Gourna-Douath · Moser · Zawieschitzky

RB Salzburg plays with extreme verticality and a high press in a 2-5-3 formation. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move forward immediately to exploit gaps in the opposition defense.

Zawieschitzky operates as the goalkeeper within a very high defensive line. The two center backs, Gourna-Douath and Terzic, must act as ball playing defenders who step up to intercept passes. Because the lineup only uses two at the back, Gourna-Douath and Terzic must be ready to cover wide areas and sweep behind the line when the team is caught in transition. They must remain alert to pick up runners and defend the central zone.

The midfield utilizes a five man unit to control the pitch. Drexler and Krätzig function as a double pivot to shield the defense and provide a base to recycle possession. Kitano and Schmid operate as the central midfielders who drive forward with the ball and connect the lines. Vertessen plays as an attacking ten in the hole, looking to receive on the half turn and play through the lines. This formation allows the midfield to press aggressively to win the ball back high up the pitch.

In the attacking third, the team employs three forwards to pin the last defender. Tabakovic serves as the lone striker who can hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Konaté and Moser play as wide wingers who stretch the defense by staying wide. Konaté and Moser often cut inside to attack the near post or the far post, creating room for the midfielders to arrive late into the box. The movement of these three players is designed to create runs in behind and isolate defenders in one on one situations.

One major tactical advantage for RB Salzburg is the ability to press high in coordinated waves using the entire front line. This creates immense pressure on the opposition goalkeeper and defenders. Another strength is the numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch, as the five midfielders can easily squeeze the space and win the second ball.

This formation is a high risk, high reward lineup designed for relentless attacking. It is best suited for games where the opponent plays a low block and struggles to deal with constant pressure.