Freiburg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Lucas Höler · Derry Scherhant · Igor Matanovic · Jan-Niklas Beste · Patrick Osterhage · Maximilian Eggestein · Jordy Makengo · Philipp Lienhart · Matthias Ginter · Lukas Kübler · Mio Backhaus

Freiburg seeks to play a high intensity, vertical game through a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and hitting the opposition quickly once possession is regained. The intent is to stretch the defence and use heavy numbers in the final third to force mistakes.

Mio Backhaus plays between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. Freiburg defends with a flat back four that must maintain discipline to avoid being caught out. Matthias Ginter operates as the right centre back, using his aerial strength to clear lines, while Philipp Lienhart covers the left side of the central defence. Lukas Kübler acts as an attacking full back on the right, looking to push up the flank, while Jordy Makengo provides width on the left. The back line works to stay compact and step up to set the offside trap when the team presses high.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide stability. Patrick Osterhage and Maximilian Eggestein occupy the central spaces to shield the defence and recycle possession. Eggestein works to carry the ball forward, while Osterhage looks to intercept passes and win the second ball. These two players are responsible for connecting the back four to the heavy attacking line. They must track back quickly to cover the spaces left behind by the advancing full backs.

Freiburg utilizes two forwards in a partnership up front to pin the opposition defenders. Igor Matanovic and Lucas Höler act as the central strike force, with Matanovic often looking to hold up the ball and work in combination with his partner. On the wings, Derry Scherhant and Jan-Niklas Beste operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to spread the play. This wide presence allows the forwards to find space in the channels. The attackers press from the front in pairs to force a long ball and keep the play in the opponent's half.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs join the attack. The team can also isolate wide players in one on one situations by quickly switching play. By using a heavy front four, Freiburg can overwhelm a standard back four and create constant pressure in the box.

This 4-2-4 formation relies on high pressing and rapid transitions to disrupt the opponent. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under intense pressure.