Henan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Xu Jiamin · Iago Maidana · Oliver Gerbig · Liu Yixin · Yeljan Shinar · Djordje Denic · Ruifeng Huang · Bruno Nazario · Frank Achaempong · Nemanja Covic · Huang Zichang

Henan focuses on a heavy presence in the center of the pitch and high-volume attacking through a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the middle of the ground and create numerical superiority in the offensive zones. The team intends to control the tempo by keeping players close together and squeezing the space in the opponent's half.

Nemanja Covic stays between the posts to anchor the back line. Henan employs a very narrow defensive unit with only two central defenders, Frank Achaempong and Huang Zichang, who must stay compact to protect the center. These two must be prepared to cover large distances as the team pushes high. They work as a pair to win the second ball and intercept passes before they reach the striker. Because there are no traditional full backs, the defensive unit relies on the midfielders to track back and help when the ball is lost.

The midfield is the engine room of this formation, operating as a five man block that covers the entire width of the pitch. Bruno Nazario sits as the single pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Ahead of him, Ruifeng Huang and Djordje Denic act as the central engines, with Ruifeng Huang driving forward to join the attack while Djordje Denic helps to connect the lines. Yeljan Shinar and Liu Yixin occupy the half spaces as attacking midfielders to support the front three. This group works to win it back high up the pitch and move the ball quickly through the thirds.

The attack utilizes three forwards to stretch the opposition defense. Xu Jiamin acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. On the wings, Iago Maidana and Oliver Gerbig operate as wide attackers to provide width. Iago Maidana looks to cut inside to create chances, while Oliver Gerbig stays high to pin the last defender. These three work in combinations to create runs in behind and find space between the lines.

One major advantage for Henan is the ability to create wide overloads because the midfielders push so far forward. This causes congestion in the middle and forces the opponent to defend against many runners at once. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three and the attacking midfielders to force a long ball from the opposition.

This 2-5-3 formation is designed for total control and aggressive hunting of the ball. It is best suited for matches where Henan can dominate possession against a side that sits deep.