Lyon Logo

Lyon Football Formation

Creation DateJuly 13, 2024

Starting Lineup

Milan (1) · Adam (C) (4) · Jocelyn (3) · Tom (2) · Matteo (8) · Alessi (7) · Lorenzo (10) · Nolan (9) · Mahé 5 · Amir 12 · Jessim 6

Lyon aims to play a highly vertical and aggressive brand of football using a 3-3-4 formation. This lineup is built to overwhelm the opposition with constant pressure in the final third. By committing many players forward, the team looks to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opponent can get organized.

Milan sits between the three defenders to provide security from the back. The defensive unit consists of a back three where Adam, the captain, leads the line as the central defender. He provides strength in the middle to organize the group. To his left, Jocelyn acts as a wide centre-back to cover the space, while Tom occupies the right side of the trio. This back three is designed to hold a high line to keep the team compact and squeeze the space between the lines.

The midfield works as a three-man unit to connect the defense to the attack. Matteo operates in the center to link the play, while Alessi and Lorenzo occupy the left and right central midfield roles. Alessi and Lorenzo are tasked to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch and disrupt the opponent. They also work to carry the ball forward to transition from defense to attack. This midfield group must stay disciplined to prevent the team from being caught on the break.

The attacking unit is incredibly heavy with four players pushing against the opposition back line. Jessim and Mahé play as a central partnership, acting as two forwards to pin the last defender. They work to combine in tight spaces and create chaos in the box. On the flanks, Nolan and Amir act as wide wingers who stretch the defence by staying wide. They look to receive the ball in one on one situations to drive toward the goal or whip it in for the central strikers.

One major advantage for Lyon is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The four attackers and three midfielders can create intense pressure to force a long ball from the opposition. Another strength is the ability to create wide overloads when the wingers and midfielders push up together. This lineup also offers great speed of transition, as the many attacking players are already positioned to attack the space when the ball is won.

This 3-3-4 formation is built for a high-risk, high-reward style of play that relies on dominance. It is best suited for games where Lyon needs to break down a team that sits deep in a low block.