Freiburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Igor Matanovic · Derry Scherhant · Yuito Suzuki · Jan-Niklas Beste · Yannick Engelhardt · Maximilian Eggestein · Jordy Makengo · Max Rosenfelder · Matthias Ginter · Philipp Treu · Mio Backhaus

Freiburg looks to play a high press with a vertical style of football. The team utilizes a 4-3-3 formation to stretch the pitch and pin the opposition in their own half. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately look to hit in behind on the transition.

Mio Backhaus sits between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates with a flat back four that stays relatively high to squeeze the space. Matthias Ginter acts as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Max Rosenfelder provides cover and is dominant in the air. On the flanks, Philipp Treu and Jordy Makengo push up to provide width, acting as overlapping full backs to support the attack.

In the middle of the park, the team employs a three-man midfield with a carrier. Yannick Engelhardt and Maximilian Eggestein work to press aggressively to win the ball high and cover the ground between the lines. Yuito Suzuki plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines. This midfield trio works to connect the defensive unit to the front three by recycling possession and finding the feet of the attackers.

The attacking front line uses three attackers across the front. Igor Matanovic acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line and hold up the ball. Derry Scherhant and Jan-Niklas Beste operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to stretch the defence. These players look to cut inside or deliver early crosses to find the striker. The movements are designed to create runs in behind and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

Freiburg gains a massive advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. The intensity from Yuito Suzuki and Igor Matanovic forces mistakes from the opponent. Another strength is the speed of transition, as the team can move from a defensive block to an attacking wave in seconds using the overlapping runs of Philipp Treu and Jordy Makengo.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on high energy and rapid movement to unsettle the opponent. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.