Besiktas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

RAFA S · RABIOT · MUCI · HALLER · SHAPERENKO · HUMMELS · PAULISTA · M.ALONSO · Lucas VAZQUEZ · A. DI MARIA · NEUER

Besiktas look to control games through a high press and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and hit the opposition with verticality. The lineup focuses on wide overloads and central strength to dominate both halves of the pitch.

Manuel Neuer starts in goal to command his area and sweep behind the defensive line. The back five consists of three central defenders with RABIOT, HUMMELS, and PAULISTA holding a zonal line. HUMMELS is dominant in the air while PAULISTA provides cover and RABIOT helps to step into midfield when needed. On the flanks, Lucas VAZQUEZ acts as an attacking wing back to provide width on the right, while M.ALONSO functions as an attacking wing back on the left to stretch the defence.

The midfield operates as a two man unit tasked with connecting the defence to the front three. RAFA S and SHAPERENKO act as the central engines, with RAFA S looking to drive forward with the ball and SHAPERENKO working to intercept passes and win the second ball. These two players must cover a lot of ground to protect the space in front of the three centre backs and ensure the team remains compact when the opponent tries to play through the lines.

Up front, Besiktas use three attackers to pin the opposition back line. HALLER acts as a target man to hold up the ball and bring others into play, while MUCI and A. DI MARIA operate as wide attackers. A. DI MARIA has a high level of set piece delivery and technical skill, often cutting inside to create chances. MUCI pushes high to press the full backs, while the movement of all three forwards creates runs in behind and allows the wing backs to overlap.

Besiktas gain a massive advantage through wide overloads when Lucas VAZQUEZ and M.ALONSO push forward to support the wingers. The formation also offers the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for opponents to build from the back. This creates many opportunities to win the ball high up the pitch and attack a disorganized defence.

This 5-2-3 formation is a heavy pressing system that relies on wide players to create constant tension. It is best suited for matches where Besiktas want to dominate the ball and exploit space behind the opposition full backs.