Freiburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Lucas Höler · Vincenzo Grifo · Yuito Suzuki · Jan-Niklas Beste · Patrick Osterhage · Maximilian Eggestein · Jordy Makengo · Phillip Lienhart · Matthias Ginter · Lukas Kübler · Mio Backhaus

Freiburg relies on a high press and rapid verticality through a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly hit the opposition on the transition. The goal is to squeeze the space in the middle and use the wide areas to stretch the defence once possession is regained.

Mio Backhaus stays between the posts to command his area. In front of him, the team operates with a flat back four that looks to step up and squeeze the opposition. Matthias Ginter plays as the right centre back, acting as a ball playing defender who can find teammates with progressive passes. Phillip Lienhart occupies the left centre back spot to provide cover and win headers. Lukas Kübler acts as an overlapping full back on the right to provide width, while Jordy Makengo works as a left back to balance the defensive line.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative presence. Patrick Osterhage sits in the middle to shield the defence and intercept passes, while Maximilian Eggestein works as an inverted eight to drive forward with the ball and link the lines. Yuito Suzuki plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space to create chances. This trio works to compress the midfield and ensures that the team can quickly recycle possession or go direct when the trigger to press is pulled.

Freiburg utilizes three attackers across the front to maintain constant pressure. Vincenzo Grifo plays as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and deliver quality crosses or shoot. Jan-Niklas Beste operates as an inverted winger on the right, also looking to move into central areas to create overloads. Lucas Höler acts as a pressing centre-forward, working to pin the last defender and make runs in behind. The front line is designed to create cutbacks from the byline and combinations in tight spaces as they move towards the goal.

One major strength of this Freiburg lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. Another advantage is the width provided by the wingers and full backs, which allows the team to create wide overloads and isolate opponents in one on one situations. The quick movement of Yuito Suzuki between the lines also creates confusion for the opposition defensive block.

This 4-3-3 formation creates a highly aggressive tactical identity focused on winning the ball back quickly. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play through a high press or those that leave space behind their defensive line.