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Stuttgart Football Formation

Creation DateSeptember 1, 2026

Starting Lineup

SEIMEN (Bredlow) · MITTELSTÄDT (Hendriks) · VAGNOMAN (Assignon) · JELTSCH (Jaquez) · CHABOT (Zagadou/Al Dakhil) · STILLER (Nartey) · KARAZOR (Prömel) · UNDAV (El Khannouss) · PEJCINOVIC (Demirovic) · LEWELLING (Tomas/Bouanani) · FÜHRICH (Sauer)

Stuttgart aims to control matches through a compact defensive block and quick transitions using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and deny space between the lines while waiting to strike on the break. The team relies on defensive stability to absorb pressure before using the width of the pitch to catch opponents off guard.

PEJCINOVIC stays between the posts to provide the final layer of protection. The back five features a narrow defensive block with Karazor acting as the left centre-back to cover space and Undav sitting in the middle to win the second ball. Stiller operates as the right centre-back to help play out from the back, while Lewelling and Führich act as attacking wing backs. Lewelling pushes high to provide width on the left and Führich carries the ball forward on the right to stretch the defence.

The midfield functions as a flat four to maintain horizontal compactness. Mittelstädt operates on the left side to link with the defense, while Vagnoman stays wide on the right to provide an outlet. In the center, Chabot and JELTSCH work to control the middle of the pitch and protect the central defenders. Chabot looks to intercept passes and recycle possession, while JELTSCH works to press in a mid-block to win the ball back. This unit connects the defensive line to the lone striker through quick short passes.

Stuttgart uses a lone striker in SEIMEN to lead the line. SEIMEN acts as a pressing centre-forward to force the opposition back line into mistakes and hold up the ball for oncoming runners. The attacking plan revolves around the wing backs, Lewelling and Führich, who provide the width needed to create chances. When the team wins the ball, they look to hit in behind on the transition, using the space created by the wide players to deliver crosses or play through the lines to find SEIMEN.

The main tactical advantage for Stuttgart is the ability to remain compact when defending in a low block. By keeping the lines close together, the team makes it hard for opponents to play through the center. Another strength is the ability to create wide overloads when Lewelling and Führich push high, which forces the opposition to track back and leaves gaps in their midfield.

This 5-4-1 formation creates a resilient defensive unit that is hard to break down. It is best suited for games against dominant teams where Stuttgart needs to sit deep and counter at pace.