Hoffenheim Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Max Moerstedt · Tim Lemperle · Adam Hlozek · Wouter Burger · Nathan De Cat · Leon Avdullahu · Bernardo · Albian Hajdari · Ozan Kabak · Vladimir Coufal · Oliver Baumann

Hoffenheim focuses on a direct and defensive style using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup aims to absorb pressure before hitting opponents in transition. The team sits in a mid-block to squeeze the space between lines, waiting for a chance to break quickly once the ball is won.

Oliver Baumann acts as the last line of defense, ready to sweep behind the high line when needed. The back five features a central trio consisting of Leon Avdullahu, Ozan Kabak, and Albian Hajdari. Kabak and Hajdari provide aerial strength and central cover, while Avdullahu works to step into midfield to help with buildup. The wide defenders, Bernardo and Vladimir Coufal, act as attacking wing backs. They provide the necessary width to stretch the defense, often looking to overlap the wingers or deliver crosses into the box when the team moves forward.

In the middle of the pitch, the team uses a three-man midfield to control the center. Wouter Burger and Nathan De Cat work to shield the defense, with Burger looking to drive forward with the ball to link the play. Adam Hlozek plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, finding pockets of space to operate. Hlozek is tasked to press aggressively to win the ball high and find ways to play through the lines. This trio ensures the team can transition from a compact defensive unit to an attacking one by finding the feet of the midfielders quickly.

The attack is built around a partnership of two forwards, Max Moerstedt and Tim Lemperle. They operate as a duo that focuses on runs in behind and link-up play between the lines. Max Moerstedt acts as a presence to hold up the ball, allowing Tim Lemperle to make runs into the channels. When Hoffenheim wins possession, they look to get the ball to the front line immediately to exploit space behind the opposition back line. The wing backs, Bernardo and Vladimir Coufal, provide the support needed to prevent the forwards from being isolated.

Hoffenheim finds success through its ability to maintain compactness when defending and the speed of transition. By using a five man defense, the team creates a low block that is very hard to break down. They can also create wide overloads as the wing backs push high to support the two strikers. This allows the team to pin the last defender and create chaos in the final third through quick combinations.

This formation is designed to be defensively solid and lethal on the counter. It is best suited for games against possession based teams that leave space behind their defensive line.