Pohang Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Hwang In Jae · Lee Dong Hee · Jonathan Aspropotamitis · Kim Sang Gi · Oberdan · Kim Jong Woo · Han Chan Hee · Kim In Sung · Baek Sung Dong · Wanderson · Jorge Teixeira

Pohang focuses on a high press and direct verticality using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly to catch the opposition before they can recover. The team relies on intense movement to stretch the defence and create scoring chances through quick transitions.

Hwang In Jae starts in goal to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Kim Sang Gi, Jonathan Aspropotamitis, and Lee Dong Hee. Jonathan Aspropotamitis acts as the central anchor, remaining dominant in the air and reading the game to cover his teammates. Kim Sang Gi and Lee Dong Hee provide width to the back three, looking to step into midfield when the team plays out from the back. This group works to maintain a high line to squeeze the space between the lines and force long balls from the opponent.

The midfield relies on a single pivot to control the center of the pitch. Oberdan sits in front of the defence to shield the back three and recycle possession when under pressure. Next to him, Han Chan Hee and Kim Jong Woo act as two central midfielders who drive forward with the ball to link the play. Kim In Sung and Baek Sung Dong occupy the half spaces as attacking midfielders, pushing high to support the front line. These four players work to win the second ball and ensure Pohang maintains control in the middle third.

Pohang uses a two-man strike partnership to lead the attack. Wanderson and Jorge Teixeira operate as the two forwards, often working in combinations to break the line. Wanderson often looks to make runs in behind the defence, while Jorge Teixeira helps to hold up the ball to allow the attacking midfielders to join the play. The wingers in the attacking midfield roles, Kim In Sung and Baek Sung Dong, pull wide to create overloads before cutting inside to threaten the goal. This movement forces the opposition to defend deep and creates space for late runs into the box.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly through the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using five midfielders, Pohang can create numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch to dominate possession. The presence of attacking midfielders like Kim In Sung and Baek Sung Dong also allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations during transitions.

The 3-5-2 formation provides Pohang with a robust central presence and a lethal counter attacking threat. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line or leave gaps between their midfield and defensive units.