Union Berlin Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Josip Juranovic · Carl Klaus · Zeno Van Den Bosch · Leopold Querfeld · Derrick Köhn · Aljoscha Kemlein · Rani Khedira · Livan Burcu · Woo-Yeong Jeong · Emmanuel Latte Lath · Andrej Ilic

Union Berlin operates with a heavy focus on verticality and rapid transitions through a 2-4-4 formation. This lineup is built to bypass the middle of the pitch and strike quickly once the ball is won. The team looks to move the ball forward with directness, using the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition defense.

Carl Klaus stands between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit consists of a narrow back two with Leopold Querfeld and Zeno Van Den Bosch acting as central defenders. Querfeld provides aerial strength to win headers, while Van Den Bosch must be ready to cover space behind him. This setup relies on a high line and requires the defenders to be extremely alert to runners in behind, as there are no full backs to provide wide cover.

The midfield operates as a four man block that connects the defense to the front line. Aljoscha Kemlein and Josip Juranovic occupy the central roles to control the middle, with Juranovic helping to protect the right side. Derrick Köhn plays as a left sided midfielder to drive the ball forward and support the attack. Rani Khedira plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers to link play and find passing lanes. This midfield group must press aggressively to win the ball back high up the pitch to prevent the defense from being exposed.

The attack features four players across the front to pin the opposition defense. Emmanuel Latte Lath and Andrej Ilic work as a partnership in the center, with Latte Lath acting as a physical presence to hold up the ball. Livan Burcu and Woo Yeong Jeong play as wide wingers to provide width and stretch the defense. The wingers look to get to the byline and whip it in for the two strikers. When in transition, Union Berlin looks to hit in behind on the transition by using the speed of the front four to catch the opponent out of position.

One major advantage for Union Berlin is the ability to press high in coordinated waves with four forwards. This creates heavy pressure on the opposition center backs and forces long balls that the central defenders can intercept. The formation also allows for quick wide overloads when the midfielders push up to support the wingers. By crowding the final third, the team can create many chances through direct service to the two central strikers.

This 2-4-4 formation is a high risk high reward system that relies on intense pressing and direct attacking. It is best suited for games against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.