Nagelsmann’s team changing to a 3-1-6 attacking shape is more natural as RB Leipzig can utilise more of a 3-1-5-1 build-up and attacking shape. His side also look for interchanges and shapes where they can get Timo Werner into space in the wide left area as well as in the deep central areas. The development of Patrik Schick has allowed Werner to move around as Schick holds the nine space while Nagelsmann relies on his wing-backs for width allowing the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Marcel Sabitzer to operate in the centre. In the situation above, they are playing against a 4-4-2 defensive shape as the opposition have pushed a midfielder forward to press the six-space allowing Sabitzer to move into space. The opposition are working a high-line and an offside trap as Schick is in an offside position, but Leipzig prefer to work passing sequences on the flank to release Werner in behind.

The central centre-back can work a pass to the left flank where Leipzig have the numerical superiority and space to work a rotation for a run in behind and a low cross. The key thing about Leipzig is not particularly the central areas in this situation but the wing-backs establishing width as they can work connections on one flank to switch to the weak side directly or by playing a pass back into the six space for the midfielder to turn and play the ball to the opposite flank. Nagelsmann has used different formations this season but his principles of play remain the same as he allows his centre-backs to drive the ball into the midfield line to attract pressure and play balls in between the lines. Leipzig are also one of the better sides in Europe at mastering the nuances of blind-sided movement in the final third. Their attackers are positioned closer to the defenders than the midfielders as if the centre-backs push forward and draw markers from midfield, they will be able to drop off and receive the ball in space.

The main issue with this formation is from a defensive aspect after ball-loss, Leipzig have an all-action attacker like Werner who is willing to drop back and regain possession after his side loses the ball. With injuries to Willi Orban and Ibahima Konate for most of the season, Nagelsmann has used fullbacks Lukas Klostermann and Marcel Halstenberg in wide centre-back roles as they are well-versed at winning 1v1s on an open flank while both have developed sense of angling perfectly timed challenges in recovery situations from opposition counters. To utilise this shape properly, a team has to have energetic and devoted attackers who are willing to quickly cover space in the case of ball-loss as well as efficient and calm ball-winners in the wide centre-back roles. The defensive midfielder has to maintain a situational awareness of when to leave his position and when to hold his position and drop back with the rest of his defence.

Conclusion

The improvement in training of centre-backs and defensive midfielders as ball-playing distributors facilitates an attacking formation like this as opposition sides have become more organised in their defending. The 3-1-6 if properly implemented allows the team in position to attack against 4-4-2 low blocks as it consistently gives them a numerical superiority in the deeper areas while denying the opposition opportunities to press the ball effectively due to the options in between the lines as the defenders are pinned back. It also builds on elements of stretching play and switching the ball in the final third as well as the nuances of blind-sided movements in the pockets. The dilemma will be seeing teams counter-pressing upon ball-loss to see if they can consistently, efficiently and effectively regain the ball in the higher areas.