Four defensive strategies that make Julian Nagelsmann the most in demand coach in Europe

RB Leipzig have had a pleasing start to the season so far, qualifying for the knockout phases of the UEFA Champions League while staying close to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, with the Bulls just two points behind Bayern at the time of writing. One of the key areas of Leipzigs success has been their defensive systems, with Leipzig recording the lowest xGA of any team in Europes top five leagues this season, with 12.61 xGA and 12 goals conceded, with this xGA even lower than Atlético Madrids 14.81. Atlético, however, boast a better goals conceded record, with only six goals conceded. It does seem an odd statistic considering Leipzigs leaky record against the likes of Bayern Munich, Man United, and Borussia Dortmund, however looking deeper into such games we see the opposition overperforming xGA greatly, and that Leipzigs pressing systems have also largely been successful in these games.

As a result of their record, I decided to take a look at RB Leipzigs defensive tactics so far this season, and in this tactical analysis have broken down the tactical reasons for their success into four sections, analysing the tactical nuances and flexibility behind Julian Nagelsmanns defensive strategies this season.

Conventional 4-2-3-1

As Ill touch on within this analysis, Leipzig are somewhat notorious for their unpredictable shapes out of possession, but their most commonly used shape is the 4-2-3-1. There have been variations seen between games within the 4-2-3-1 Nagelsmann deploys, however there is a fairly consistent shape which has been successful, mainly against teams who they want to press aggressively. The sheer number of formations on the list shows the flexibility, and I would suggest that the 43% for the 4-2-3-1 could be inaccurate, with Wyscout sometimes incorrectly picking up Nagelsmanns adapting shapes.

An example of the 4-2-3-1 system being implemented can be seen below against Werder Bremen, which was a game in which Leipzig clearly wanted to be aggressive and press high against Werder Bremens short build-up play. We can see the basic structure of the two first lines of pressure here, with striker Yussuf Poulsen applying pressure to usually the central centre back or wherever possible, in order to force the ball into a wide centre back. Wide centre backs would be pressed by the Leipzig wingers from in front, who would show the Bremen defenders outside. Dani Olmo often acts as the pressing ten within the 4-2-3-1, and it is his role to occupy the ball near pivot.

We can see in a very high area here the Leipzig right wi