RB Leipzig 2023-24 Tactical Analysis: Marco Rose’s High-Octane Evolution
RB Leipzig have consistently been touted as contenders for Bundesliga glory since their top-flight debut, yet a title win has eluded them since their arrival. Although the 2020-21 campaign saw them finish as runners-up, the 2023-24 season finds them once again among the favorites to challenge for the upper echelons under Marco Rose’s energetic guidance. This analysis dives into the tactical identity, key personnel changes, and performance trends of Marco Rose’s RB Leipzig.
Tactical Foundation: The 4-2-2-2 System Explained
Under Marco Rose, Leipzig predominantly utilizes a 4-2-2-2 formation—emblematic of the Red Bull football philosophy. This shape is engineered to maximize vertical penetration in attack, maintain tight central compactness in defense, and support dynamic transitions.
The offseason marked significant squad turnover, with influential players like Joško Gvardiol, Konrad Laimer, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Christopher Nkunku departing. Rose’s response was swift and effective, integrating new arrivals such as Loïs Openda and Xavi Simons seamlessly. Xaver Schlager has been vital in settling the midfield, while both Benjamin Henrichs and David Raum have started every league match as fullbacks, providing the team’s width as the rest form a disciplined, narrow spine.
At center-back, competition is fierce. Willi Orban continues to anchor the defense with leadership and tactical intelligence, balancing the exuberance of Mohamed Simakan and Castello Lukeba. Janis Blaswich has staked his claim in goal with a strong save percentage, but Péter Gulácsi’s recovery from injury could soon spark competition for the number one spot.
Attacking Structure: Directness, Fluidity, and Key Roles
RB Leipzig’s attack is defined by rapid, purposeful movement upfield. The 4-2-2-2 encourages direct play, with its two advanced midfielders (often Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo) operating between the lines and supporting a dual-striker pairing. These forwards typically consist of the mobile Loïs Openda alongside a more physical presence, such as Yussuf Poulsen or Benjamin Sesko. This flexibility and fluidity in the front four are central to Leipzig’s attacking threat.
During build-up, Leipzig often constructs diamond shapes involving the goalkeeper, central defenders, and a deep-dropping midfielder (usually Schlager or Kampl), who at times adds a third option at the back. This enables the fullbacks to advance and the attacking midfielders to find spaces between opposition lines.
A standout element is Leipzig’s use of quick combinations and passing automatisms in the half-spaces, primarily targeting Simons, whose ability to drive forward with the ball destabilizes defenses and creates opportunities for incisive passes or breakaway chances. The team does not shy from switching play or using longer balls to the strikers when openings present themselves.
Ball Progression and Versatility
Leipzig’s ability to advance the ball isn’t reliant solely on quick passing—they also possess confident carriers. Willi Orban is among the Bundesliga’s leading center-backs in progressive actions, adept at pushing forward and initiating attacks. Kevin Kampl and Xaver Schlager also contribute with dribbling and transitional play that breaks opposition lines, ensuring Leipzig can manage organized presses and congested midfields without panicking into wasteful long balls.
Offensive Output: Early Season Productivity
The attacking output has been impressive; with 14 goals from the first five league games, Leipzig’s system is producing results. Simons and Olmo have been especially prolific, recording multiple goals and assists in this early stretch, while regular strike partners and substitutes like Emil Forsberg and Timo Werner offer additional attacking dimensions when rotated in.
Leipzig thrives in transitional moments, quickly turning defense into attack and exploiting the space with their pacy, intelligent front four. Crosses from wide areas, primarily delivered by Raum, frequently pick out runners inside the box—an aspect that makes Leipzig unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
Defensive Approach: Compactness and Pressing
Defensively, Leipzig sets up in a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-4 block out of possession. The front four remains closely connected to suffocate central spaces, steering opposition build-ups wide. This compact structure is supported by energetic pressing, often forcing turnovers and launching immediate counters.
The central pairing in midfield steps forward to maintain this compactness, occasionally leaving gaps that opponents might exploit via long balls or second-ball recoveries. While not the tallest or most physically imposing back line, Leipzig ranks near the top of the Bundesliga for aerial duel success, with Orban and Raum leading by example.
Individual defensive actions add both strengths and risks: Mohamed Simakan’s proactivity helps break up play but can sometimes leave gaps alongside his defensive partner. Willi Orban, in contrast, provides stability and awareness, crucial in managing these moments. Fullbacks Henrichs and Raum are adept at recovering their positions after supporting attacks, yet Leipzig must remain wary of defensive transitions, especially against Bundesliga teams skilled at wide attacks and rapid breaks.
Improvements and Weaknesses Noted
Leipzig’s main defensive vulnerabilities stem from disconnections between the pressing front four, central midfield, and defensive line, particularly when midfielders step up and leave space for opponents to exploit behind them. Simakan’s forward surges create opportunities for opponents if not adequately covered, necessitating continuous coordination with Orban and the fullbacks.
Despite these challenges, Leipzig’s defensive performance has been statistically solid, conceding just four goals in their opening five games—a tally bettered only by Eintracht Frankfurt during the same span.
Summary: Leipzig’s Potential for the 2023-24 Campaign
Marco Rose has successfully navigated significant squad changes to maintain RB Leipzig’s status as one of the Bundesliga’s top sides. Their invigorated approach marries direct attacking play and pressing intensity with tactical discipline across all phases, underpinned by focused recruitment and swift integration of new talent.
Though challenging Bayern Munich for the title may be an ambitious target this season, Leipzig appears well-equipped to compete for a top-two finish. Continued development of squad chemistry and consistency, especially in defense, could see them firmly in the mix for Champions League qualification once again. The 2023-24 campaign demonstrates that RB Leipzig remains one of Germany’s most dynamic and tactically exciting teams to watch.
