Athletic Football Formation

Starting Lineup

IRAIZOZ · AMOREBIETA · JAVI MARTINEZ · AURTENEXTE · IRAOLA · ITURRASPE · DE MARCOS · ANDER HERRERA · LLORENTE · MUNIAIN · SUSAETA

Athletic looks to play a direct and high pressing game using a 4-3-3 formation. The team focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and moving it quickly to the front line to catch the opposition out of position. This lineup is built to play with intensity and verticality, looking to stretch the defence through quick transitions and heavy running.

Iraizoz operates as the goalkeeper behind a flat back four. Javi Martinez and Amorebieta act as the central defenders, with Amorebieta providing aerial strength and Javi Martinez covering the space behind. Aurtenexte and Iraola function as full backs, with the intent to push high and provide width. The defensive unit aims to squeeze the space and maintain a high line to support the press from the forwards.

The midfield is a three man midfield with a single pivot. Iturraspe sits in front of the defence to shield the back four and pick up runners. Ander Herrera works as a carrier to drive forward with the ball, while De Marcos connects the lines by recycling possession and pressing aggressively. This group works to win the second ball and ensure the team stays compact when the opposition tries to play through the middle.

Athletic uses three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. Llorente acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition centre-backs. Susaeta stays wide on the right to stretch the pitch, while Muniain plays as an inverted winger on the left, cutting inside to find space between the lines. The front three work to trigger a press and create runs in behind to exploit the space left by advancing defenders.

A major tactical advantage for Athletic is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By squeezing the pitch, they force a long ball from the opposition. The team also creates wide overloads when Iraola or Aurtenexte overlap the winger to create two on one situations. This pressure makes it difficult for opponents to build play short from the back.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on intense energy to dominate the game through high pressing. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play under pressure or leave large gaps behind their defensive line.