SV Elversberg 4-2-3-1 / Liverpool 96 points / 113 goals

SV Elversberg High-Press Replication — Tactical Overview

This tactic is a recreation of SV Elversberg’s intense, vertical playing style from Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, built around aggressive high pressing, structured build-up play, and constant forward movement.

The system uses a fluid attacking shape that transforms between phases. In possession, the team builds from the back with two ball-playing centre-backs and a deep playmaker dropping to receive, allowing controlled progression through the thirds. The focus is on playing deep into the striker, laying the ball off quickly, and immediately attacking the space again — a key pattern inspired by Elversberg’s real-life approach.

Out of possession, the tactic applies relentless high pressing to force turnovers high up the pitch. The front line initiates the press, supported by a compact midfield that aggressively steps up to win second balls.

Key Tactical Principles

High pressing and counter-pressing

Build-up from the back with ball-playing defenders

Deep playmaker orchestrating transitions

Vertical attacks: play into feet → lay off → run in behind

Dynamic midfield support with box-to-box movement

Attacking width provided by forward-thinking fullbacks and wingers

The shape resembles an attacking 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 hybrid that shifts depending on phase, ensuring both defensive stability and offensive overloads.
Please test the tactic with your teams and share your results. I would really appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or improvements you discover. Let me know what you changed, what worked better for you, and if certain tweaks led to even stronger performances.