Left Back Football

Julian Nagelsmann has built on his incredible stint at Hoffenheim with a brilliant start to his tenure at RB Leipzig as the scouting department has given him a young, talented and multi-faceted squad. Nagelsmann has altered his tactical approach from a 5-3-2/3-5-2 to a 4-2-2-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation better suited for his playing staff. He has built on and adapted most of the tactical ideals that he developed in Sinsheim while continuing to shift players around the pitch and develop them. His Hoffenheim team were unlucky, hitting the post the most last season, succumbing to a high number of draws and massively underperforming their expected goals number. With one of the Bundesliga’s sharpest finishers in Timo Werner, RB Leipzig are competing for a Bundesliga title while being in the Knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Build-up and wide vertical play

Julian Nagelsmann started the season in his 3-5-2 formation from Hoffenheim with high centre-backs with a lot of creative responsibilities. In the picture above, RB Leipzig are pinning the opposition back in a 3-1-5-1 formation as their centre-backs are in the opposition half with a focus on playing through the left flank. There is staggering in the half-spaces and wide areas, so Leipzig can work combinations for low crosses. However, Leipzig also have the option of switching the ball to the weak side through a direct lob or using the centre as a switching hub. The central striker is occupying two centre-backs while RB Leipzig have numerical superiority on the left flank as the central attackers have pinned back the midfielders, giving the deepest lying midfielder more space in the six area.

The centre-backs have formed a triangle which gives the wide centre-backs better passing angles into the six space as well as into their teammates in between the lines. Leipzig are in a position where they can work blind-sided movements to draw markers out of position and create more pockets of space in the opposition defensive structure. For instance if the attacker in the left half-space moves into the area in between the centre-back and wing-back, drawing the wide centre-back’s attention, the closest attacker to the striker can move into that space as they can create a triangular 3v2 for rotations or he can be a crossing option to draw one of the centre-backs to the near post, thus creating space for the striker to move into. RB Leipzig also have triangular passing opportunities in the centre as they are able to work layoffs and flicks ons to establish quick connections in between the lines to create goalscoring opportunities.

RB Leipzig have also used a 2+4 structure which can look like a 2-4-3-1/2-4-1-3 as they look to create build-up patterns in the centre as well as the wide areas. For instance, when the centre-backs have the ball, their first option is to pass the ball to one of the midfielders in the double-pivot. If they are under pressure, the two inverted wide attackers will drop into the half-spaces in between the fullbacks and midfielders to receive the ball or create staggered patterns out wide so when the centre-back plays the ball to the fullback, the fullback has a triangle with the wide midfielder and wide attacker to work vertical passing moves back into the centre. The ball-far fullback will usually push into the higher areas of the pitch on one flank with one of the strikers stretching play on the ball-near flank. A frequent build-up sequence utilised by Nagelsmann’s side is for one centre-back to drive the ball into the midfield line before switching the ball to the opposite flank for the wide player to have a 1v1 against the fullback.

In the picture above, the ball-far fullback has pushed up high into the attacking line while the ball-near striker, Timo Werner is stretching play on the ball-near flank. With this, the Leipzig build-up shape becomes a 1+4 as one centre-back, normally Lukas Klostermann, will push into the midfield line to create numerical superiority and better passing angles to progress play with Dayot Upamecano as a lone centre-back. Nagelsmann’s unit do not just utilise this sequence when building up in their own half but also in the attacking half as their centre-backs will continue to push high and be given creative responsibility as the young German manager did at Hoffenheim. It is also important to notice the staggering on the left flank as it consists of fullback in the deep lateral zone, deep lying midfielder adjacent to him in the half-space, inverted winger in the half-space with the striker in the lateral zone creating width.

Leipzig normally work quick vertical passing sequences through this shape to progress play and release the striker in behind the fullback in the wide zone. Christopher Nkunku and Werner are usually the inverted winger in the half-space and striker in the lateral zone on the left flank as they have developed a good rapport and understanding of each other’s movements. Werner likes to be placed in the wide areas, so he can run into the channels while he also likes to cut in and have opportunities on goal from the left. Once Werner receives the ball and cuts in, Nkunku will move outside him or will make a movement in front of him from the half-space into the lateral zone clearing space for him to cut into by drawing a marker. In the second movement, Werner can play a through ball into the lateral zone for Nkunku to run onto while Werner makes a movement into the middle. For the most part, in the attacking phase, Nkunku and his opposite winger, Marcel Sabitzer will be positioned in the centre with their fullbacks establishing width.

With these wide vertical combinations, Leipzig prefer to work them and draw their opponents to one flank before switching for a free-runner on the weak side. They can work a direct lobbed switch, or they will use the centre as a switching hub as in the in the final third, they will work a pass to the ball far striker who will be dropping into space in the centre who will lay-off and flick on for an attacking midfielder to play through the fullback. In their own half or in the deeper areas, they will work a pass into the ball-far central midfielder who will then spread the play. Their staggered wide combinations could see rotations in positioning with both the fullback and ball-near midfielder moving into the lateral zone to create space for the ball-far midfielder to tuck in if they are under pressure. The winger could also move into the lateral zone with the striker in the half-space as Nagelsmann allows enough fluidity for rotation if his side are facing lateral pressure from the opposition.

Leipzig will switch to a 2+1 build-up shape with the deepest-lying midfielder dropping in between the centre-backs as at an earlier stage of build-up, the fullbacks will drop either side of the six space as passing options. The goalkeeper will be more involved in play as he will form a rhombus shape with the centre-backs and the deepest-lying midfielder. Nagelsmann’s side will also use this shape when they push up into the opposition half as the team’s shape becomes a 2-1-4-3. The other midfielder in the double-pivot and the inverted winger which will mostly be Nkunku will drop into the pockets either side of the deepest-lying midfielder to receive possession from the centre-backs in build-up play. Leipzig mostly look to work passes through the centre as the centre-backs will distribute to deeper-lying midfielder while also having the opportunity to drive the ball forward into space to work passes through the lines.

Positional Play

Centre-backs driving into midfield are not just a massive facet of Nagelsmann’s ideals in build-up but in attacking play as well. The young manager encourages his centre-backs to drive forward in two-chain or three-chain systems as it allows them to create better passing angles and for attackers in behind to initiate blind-side movements to receive the ball in space in higher areas of the pitch. In the situation above, Leipzig are in a 2-2-5-1 situation, Upamecano is driving the ball forward into the midfield line and opposition half to create better passing angles for his teammates.

He is also attracting markers, creating space for players to make movements to receive possession. Upamecano can drive the ball into the higher areas, attract pressure to release the ball to the fullback hugging the touchline who will play the ball to the wide midfielder in the half-space who will flick behind for either the winger to play a low cross or pass into the half-space or for the attacker to be isolated against his defender to work a higher quality low cross or cut past his man and have a shot on goal. Upamecano can also attract markers with the deeper-lying midfielder closer to him moving into the free space for the Frenchman to flick his hips and work a pass to the midfielder who can turn and switch the ball to the weak side or play a ball to the deep-lying striker in between the lines.

Blind-sided movement is imperative to Leipzig’s positional play in the final third as they face low blocks while they circulate the ball in the deeper areas, allowing players to move into space. In three-chain systems, Leipzig can switch to an attacking 3-1-5-1 or 3-2-5 as they push their centre-backs high as blind-sided movement becomes crucial to their approach play. In the situation above, the deepest-lying midfielder is working a pass to his midfield partner as the attacker in his zone has moved into the space in front of his midfield marker to receive the ball. All the Leipzig players in between the lines are making blind-sided movements and manipulating cover shadows to create space for passes. On the right flank, the player has made a movement inside before moving back into the wide areas to receive possession or open a passing lane to his teammate on the flank.

In the left half-space, the Leipzig attacker is on the blind-side making a movement into space as Nagelsmann’s side have occupied the opposition in such a way that they have created space in the centre by occupying their double pivot. Their passing lane to the striker has been disrupted by the centre-backs marking the attacker in a 2v1 situation. Leipzig can work a move where the player in the left half-space moves in front of his marker to receive the ball from the midfielder and flick-on for his teammate making a run into the area in between the opposition double-pivot to play a through ball to the striker or switch the ball to a teammate on the opposite flank for Leipzig to work a low cross into the six-yard box.

Nagelsmann’s side also prefer to make dummy runs in attacking situations to open passing lanes for teammates. With the deeper midfielder receiving the ball, the player in his zone is making a dummy run to drag his marker out of position so he can have access to the wide areas. Leipzig also prefer to work third-man situations and triangular passing sequences in the centre to circulate the ball and progress play. Leipzig’s player spacing and positioning in the final third is geared to work triangular rotations with all the players in the opposition half involved in triangles with the player receiving the ball having a plethora of passing options that would become available with subtle movement.

Nagelsmann’s Leipzig have an element of fluidity and interchange in their possession phase within a broad tactical framework that utilises certain principles. In their two-chain and three-chain formations, fullbacks and wing-backs are highly placed but maintain build-up responsibilities while it is essential to move Nkunku and Werner into areas of space in the lateral zones or half-spaces. Leipzig also present a wide and switch-heavy attacking shape where they can switch through rapid third-man vertical connections or direct switches as their player spacing and rotations are geared towards attacking the opposition’s weak side. With their three-chain attacking shape, they can switch into a 3-1-5-1, 3-2-5 and 3-1-6 attacking shape as these formations can easily morph into each other with subtle movements and player spacing in the attacking and midfield line.

In the situation above, the centre-back has driven into the opposition half to create a 3v3/4v4 situation against the opposition in the wide areas as Leipzig have adjusted with Sabitzer moving out of his high area to drop deep as a direct passing option through blind-sided movement. Werner is also prepared to work an interaction with the highly placed fullback and burst into space on the flank or half-space when it becomes available through Leipzig’s vertical rotations. The wide centre-back can drive the ball to engage his two nearest markers by releasing the ball to Sabitzer as the wing-back will then move towards the ball, drawing his marker to flick a ball for Werner to charge down the flank. Although, Leipzig would prefer to work a situation where Werner can receive the ball in the half-space, so he can work a low cross or cut-in and have a shot on goal.

The wide centre-back can drive forward to play pass into Sabitzer with the wing-back holding his wide position to maintain the attention of his marker as the pass to Sabitzer will trigger Werner driving into space for a lay-off to drive into the half-space with the option of releasing the ball to the wing-back, playing a low cross or cutting in and shooting. Werner has the advantage over his direct marker as the marker has his body is turned to face the man in possession while Werner’s body shape allows him to drive into the half-space at a quicker pace while his marker will have to turn to properly challenge Werner. Leipzig are in a 3-1-5-1 shape as they also have the player spacing to work a vertical combinations to switch the ball as the wide centre-back can play the ball back to his central centre-back to work a direct diagonal to the attacker in the ball-far half-space who will drop into space once the central centre-back receives the ball or the central centre-back can play a pass to the ball-far wide centre-back who will work a pass into the ball-far half-space.

The 3-1-5-1 situation above is eerily reminiscent to Nagelsmann’s Hoffenheim with two players dropping into the half-space to work half-space connections as an avenue of transitioning from the build-up to the attacking phase. The centre-backs are also pushed up high to shoulder creative responsibility in the opposition half and are given freedom in how long they can have possession. Leipzig can work a switch ball with the wide centre-back playing the ball into Sabitzer who will lay the pass off to Werner who will move into space under him, Werner could work the pass to the player in the six-space who will move in front of the marker towards the ball for the deep-lying midfielder to work a pass for Schick who is already moving into a deeper area to receive possession and lay-off to the half-space for a pass to Angelino who will cross for four options making runs into the box.

Sabitzer can also work a direct pass to the deep-lying midfielder to then shift the ball to Schick to speed up the situation as the player’s ability to move into space without strenuous positional constraints allow Leipzig the fluidity to work an infinite number of passing sequences out of one shape to disorient the defensive block. Nagelsmann constantly encourages players to move towards the ball to receive possession, allowing players to move the ball quicker with less touches in the higher areas. Leipzig can also work the ball back to their back-three as the defenders will have a better view of the pitch while being able to switch the ball to the weak side with line breaking passes. For instance, the prospect of moving the ball back to the central centre-back who will work a pass for the teammate in the ball-far half-space who will drop deep to receive the ball allows Leipzig to work a quicker and more efficient switch against the opposition defence.

Leipzig can also transition seamlessly between shapes as if Werner moves into the central zone, it becomes a 3-1-6 with four central zones while if Sabitzer drops closer to the six-space it adjusts into a 3-2-5 shape. Nagelsmann’s side can transition into three different shapes with clever movements while their playing principles remain the same. One of those principles is for players in between the lines to drop deep to demand possession when the centre-backs have the ball and the opposition is pressing high. In their 3-2-5 attacking shape, the players in the half-space will drop alongside the midfield two to demand possession and receive the ball in between the lines while in a 3-1-5-1, the players in the half-space will drop deep to demand possession in the half-spaces next to the deep-lying midfielders as auxiliary eights.

In essence, Nagelsmann used a back to the future approach this season as he began the season with a three-chain formation looking to build on his ideas with Hoffenheim before adjusting to a 4-2-2-2/4-2-3-1 shape for his players to feel more comfortable while they now use both shapes in all phases of play. On a granular level, Nagelsmann drills his players on certain mechanisms in possession in the final third like receiving the ball with the ball-far foot or the willingness to turn in order to work a switch ball and have a better overview of the pitch to shift the ball into a more advantageous area. All players are also encouraged to drive the ball into space when it is available to draw markers and create holes in the opposition defensive system while blind-sided movement and moving towards the ball to create better passing angles are also integral to Leipzig’s positional play.

Counter-pressing

Leipzig maintain a strong residual defence as they have very close player spacing that facilitates a ferocious and effective counter-press allowing them to constrain space rapidly, regain possession before breaking and creating opportunities with players moving into open spaces against a dishevelled opposition defence. Their counter-pressing shape allows them to create playmaking situations in the defensive phase as they can shift players into open spaces once they regain the ball. Nagelsmann’s side tend to lose possession in the build-up phase with centre-backs being given the opportunity to take risks as situationally, the ball-near centre-back will push up to engage the player in possession, Werner and Nkunku will move into the central area to close down the spaces and prevent switch balls while a ball near attacker will attack the player’s blind-side to regain possession.

Leipzig are well-drilled and effective in their counter-press as in situations where a centre-back has to push up and the opposition have a player running in behind, the other centre-back in the area will be responsible for marking the player moving in behind. This will happen in situations where Leipzig’s defence have to move closer to the half-way line to counter-press and may not have the benefit of the offside trap. If Leipzig are in their attacking shape with attackers like Werner and Nkunku in the deeper areas in a 3-1-5-1, the deeper attackers will push up to put pressure on the defender in possession to regain possession. The German side are also clever in cutting out passing lanes, especially Konrad Laimer who will move to cut out the most obvious out-ball after ball-loss as Leipzig’s front five will put direct pressure on the ball to force a loose out-ball for an interception.

Leipzig tend to create a high number of counter-pressing situations be it in the opposition half, their own half or in their attacking shape or defensive shape. With players clustered much closer together in counter-attacking situations, Nagelsmann’s sides create quick one-twos to shift the ball out of direct pressure before working an out-ball or switch ball to a player running into space in between the lines or on the flank. They are swift in their transition from defensive situations into attacking situations as once they regain possession, wing-backs will begin to charge into the wide areas while Leipzig can circulate the ball through the tighter central areas through one-twos and layoffs while attackers move behind the opposition defensive line for through balls or crosses.

Pressing

Just as Leipzig utilise a plethora of shapes in possession, they utilise ample shapes in the defensive phase. They can press in a 5-3-2, 5-2-3, 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 in order to regain possession in the higher areas. If they are in a three-chain defensive shape, they can switch to a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 pressing shape to have more coverage across the pitch to regain possession in the higher areas or force a long-ball. Their pressure is normally man-orientated with certain players going great lengths to track their markers as they strive to win the ball closer to the opposition goal to create a goalscoring situation.

In the situation above, Leipzig are pressing in a 4-2-3-1 as they have initiated a pressing trap with coverage across the pitch. The central striker is initiating the press by pressuring the two centre-backs with a horizontal body shape, marking the centre-back in possession and denying them access to their partner as well as pushing up to press the keeper situationally. The wingers mark the space in between the centre-backs and fullbacks, marking the centre-back when he pushes up to press the keeper while also directly marking the fullbacks when possession is shifted into the wide areas.

The opposition has worked the ball into the central midfielders which has triggered a 3v1 overload as the winger has tucked in to close the passing lane, the attacking midfielder has shifted to the ball near midfielder to close him down and the deep-lying midfielder has denied him the opportunity to turn. The striker is also closing down the passing lane to the centre-back as Nagelsmann prefers to win possession in the pressing phase by denying the opposition passing opportunities through well-rehearsed pressing sequences. The ball-far winger has tucked in to provide coverage and mark the ball-far midfielder, preventing switching opportunities and connections to the ball-far fullback. The fullback also pushes up when the ball is moved up to the flank and tracks the opposition winger when he drops deep.

If the opposition are in a three chain, the central striker will mark the central centre-back while the wingers prevent the wide centre-backs from connecting with the wing-backs by having the latter in their cover shadow. The attacking midfielder will have the opposition six in their cover shadow denying the three-chain access to him while one of the deeper midfielders will push up next to him to deny passing access to the other midfielder if they are in a double-pivot.

If the wide centre-backs are in possession, the wingers will close down the wide centre-backs with the ball-near fullback pushing up to mark the opposition wing-back. Leipzig will still mark the opposition in a man-orientated fashion, engaging players with direct markers when they receive possession. If one of the midfielders drop deep to receive possession then the winger’s focus will be to deny the opposition access to the wing-back, teasing a pass into the midfielder as Leipzig will push up mark the midfielder as a collective. The ball-far winger will tuck in and mark the ball-far centre-back as the attacking midfielder will cut out the passing lane from one opposition deep-lying midfielder to another. Leipzig’s deep-lying midfielder will drop into the double-pivot as press security as the defence will push closer to the midfield line to deny the opposition access to passes in between the lines.

Leipzig will also press in a standard Red Bull franchise 4-2-2-2 with the attackers pressing the two centre-backs and the wingers marking the opposition fullbacks. The strike partnership is also cutting out the passing lane to the opposition double pivot while if the opposition manage to progress the ball into their double-pivot, the two midfielders will push up to mark the midfielders. In the situation above, they are acting as press security and maintaining a small distance between themselves and the centre-backs.

This shape can sometimes look like a 4-3-3 when the ball-near winger pushes up to mark his fullback as the ball-far winger will remain deeper and tuck inside to supplement the midfield as they shift to the ball-near side. The pressing shape can also look like 4-2-4 akin to the picture above as the attackers have pushed up to mark the opposition centre-backs and fullbacks denying them the opportunity to progress play while forcing them into a long-ball situation. The passing lanes into the next line are covered while the winger is engaged to mark the fullback as him receiving possession acts as the pressing trigger.

In the situation above, Leipzig are pressing in their 5-3-2 shape as the attackers have pushed into the space in between the central centre-backs and the wide centre-backs to deny the opposition the opportunity to circulate the ball while the centre-back’s only option is to drive the ball forward. The Leipzig midfield three have pushed up to mark the opposition double-pivot with the left midfielder tucking inside while the right midfielder has shifted across to mark the left wing-back. Angelino has pushed forward to shoulder the responsibility of marking the opposition right wing-back and giving Leipzig better coverage across the pitch.

The wide centre-backs have pushed up to provide press security with the wide centre-back pushing forward to track his marker while the central centre-back has remained deep with the opposition central attacker as the goalkeeper or centre-back can play a long-ball which would put the opposition attacker in behind with an opportunity on goal. If the opposition have 3+3 build-up shape, the three central midfielders will be marked by the three Leipzig midfielders while the attackers mark the space in between the opposition back three. The wing-backs will mark the opposition wing-backs when the ball is shifted to the wing-back in possession.

Defensive shape

Due to Nagelsmann interchanging formations, Leipzig also use a variety of defensive shapes geared at denying the opposition access to the centre, forcing them into the wide areas, regaining possession and counter-attacking. Leipzig have used a 5-3-2, 5-4-1 or a flat 4-4-2 depending on whichever formation Nagelsmann chooses for a specific game. In the situation above, Leipzig are defending in a 5-3-2 shape where the opposition have looked to bypass the first line of opposition pressure. The attackers are recovering to regain possession as the midfield three are denying them access to the pockets. If the midfielder receiving possession manages to work a line-breaking to the attacker in the half-space, the wide centre-back in his zone will push up to challenge the attacker and regain possession.

Leipzig are also in the perfect situation to break on a counter-attack as if they regain possession, the wing-back will push into the wide zones, the wide midfielders will drive into the half-spaces. If Leipzig win the ball in midfield, they will work a lay-off routine with the striker before shifting the ball to the midfielder in the half-spaces or switching the ball to the wingback on the weak side who can work a crossing situation to the three- or four-men making diverging runs into the box. Leipzig will work layoff connections to evade lateral pressure and progress up the field with quick passing sequences and hold possession while wide players attack the spaces before distributing the ball onto the weak side of the opposition defence.

In recent months, Leipzig have been pressing in a 5-2-3 shape before defending in a 5-4-1 shape as they used Dani Olmo in a false-nine role against the Bundesliga Champions, Bayern Munich. Nagelsmann focuses on defending higher than at Hoffenheim as defending in a deeper line with a five chain, allowed the opposition to work combinations in the wide areas and half-spaces to create opportunities. The three-chain has a very active role in pushing up to regain possession when the ball is worked into the central pockets, also maintaining a short distance in between the midfield and defensive line to work offside traps and defend in a compact shape.

In the situation above, Leipzig are defending in a 5-4-1 shape as the attacker is marking the opposition six while allowing the centre-backs to be in possession of the ball. Leipzig will move up to press when the opposition circulate the ball amongst each other as the wide players are marking the fullbacks and denying the centre-back direct access to them. In the pressing phase, the wide attackers will push up to press the spaces between the centre-backs and fullbacks while the central attacker is keeping the six in his cover shadow, denying the opposition centre-backs direct passing lanes into the six space. Leipzig have shifted to the ball-near flank as they have denied the opposition access to the midfielder in the half-space and fullback working a 3v2 situation.

The ball-far midfielder has tucked inside to deny the deep-lying midfielder passing access to the central midfielders while if the opposition work a switch ball, the wide attacker will shift to cover the fullback while the midfield two will shuttle across to cover the passing lanes by keeping the players in between the lines in their cover shadow. The opposition attacker is in an offside position as the back-three are working an offside trap as if the opposition manage to work the ball to one of their options in between the lines then the centre-backs will push up to regain possession before trying to recycle the ball into an attacking situation.

Conclusion

Nagelsmann has shown a considerable amount of growth in adjusting to his players and looking to build a more possessive and controlling style at his new club. He has also looked to innovate after Ralf Rangnick left him with a very strong young squad as players like Tyler Adams, Ibrahima Konate, Hannes Wolf, Ademola Lookman and Dani Olmo have yet to make a proper long-term impact. However, Werner, Schick, Laimer and Upamecano have made great strides as the young manager has repurposed Halstenberg and Klostermann as wide centre-backs. Nagelsmann and his side have challenged Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title while looking set to have a deep run in the UEFA Champions League as it will be interesting to see a young manager and a young team grow together.