RB Salzburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Konaté · Kitano · Vertessen · Redzic · Tabakovic · Kjærgaard · Veratschnig · Krätzig · Schmid · Drexler · Zawieschitzky

RB Salzburg relies on a heavy high press and verticality to catch opponents off guard, utilizing a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately transition into a direct attacking threat. By pushing so many players forward, the team aims to squeeze the space and force mistakes in the opposition half, prioritizing speed and aggression over patient buildup.

Zawieschitzky acts as the lone man in goal, needing to be ready for long balls when the high line is breached. The defensive unit consists of a back two with Schmid and Drexler. These two central defenders must be ready to defend zonally and step up to trigger a press. Since there are only two in the back, they often need to cover large amounts of space and be prepared to defend one on one when the opposition breaks quickly.

The midfield is a crowded engine room designed to dominate the center of the pitch. Veratschnig and Krätzig function as a double pivot to shield the defense and protect the two center backs. In front of them, Kitano and Kjærgaard operate in the half spaces to control the rhythm and carry the ball forward. Vertessen plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, finding pockets of space to connect the midfield to the front line and providing late runs into the box.

The attacking trio uses a wide presence to stretch the defense. Konaté and Redzic operate as wingers who look to cut inside and create goal scoring chances, while Tabakovic acts as the central striker. Tabakovic can hold up the ball to bring others into play or run in behind to exploit gaps. The front line is tasked to press from the front, forcing the opposition to play long and allowing the midfield to win the second ball.

RB Salzburg finds strength in the numerical superiority in the midfield, which makes it difficult for opponents to play through the center. The wide players and the attacking ten create constant passing lanes for the midfielders to exploit. This formation also allows for a massive squeeze of the pitch, making it very hard for the opposition to find time on the ball in their own defensive third.

This aggressive formation is built to overwhelm teams that try to play out from the back. It is best suited for matches where RB Salzburg can dominate the ball in the final third and use high intensity to break the opposition.