Everton Football Formation

Starting Lineup

J. Pickford (1) · J. Tarkowski (6) · J. O'Brien · J. Branthwaite (32) · N. Patterson (2) · V. Mykolenko (19) · J. Garner (37) · J. Lindstrom (29) · J. Harrison (11) · D. McNeil (7) · D. Calvert-Lewin (9)

Everton aims to play a direct and vertical game using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to exploit transitions and use the physical presence of the forwards to win second balls. By playing with three central defenders and two wide midfielders, the team looks to stretch the pitch and use quick movements to catch opponents out of position.

Jordon Pickford acts as the last line of defense, playing short from the back to start build up play. The back three consists of Jarrad Branthwaite, Jordon O'Brien, and James Tarkowski. Branthwaite is a ball playing defender who can carry the ball forward, while Tarkowski provides aerial strength and dominance in the air. This unit functions as a narrow defensive block that can shift to cover wide areas when the midfielders are pushed high.

The midfield operates with a heavy focus on work rate and ball winning. James Garner acts as a single pivot to shield the defense, while Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko operate in the wide areas to provide cover and support. Lindstrom plays as an attacking ten behind the striker to connect the lines and find the feet of the striker. This midfield unit works to compress the space between the lines and press in a mid-block to force a long ball from the opposition.

In the attacking third, Everton utilizes three attackers across the front. Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison act as wide wingers, with Harrison looking to get to the byline and McNeil looking to cut inside. Calvert-Lewin operates as a target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and win headers. The forwards press from the front to disrupt the opposition back line, creating runs in behind for the wide players to exploit during a break.

One major advantage for Everton is the ability to win the second ball in the middle of the pitch due to the physical profiles of the players. The formation also allows for wide overloads when the wingers and wide midfielders double up on the flank. This makes the team very dangerous when they can transition quickly from a defensive block into an attacking wave.

This 3-4-3 formation creates a team that is hard to break down and very dangerous on the counter. It is best suited for games against possession heavy teams where Everton can sit deep and hit in behind on the transition.