Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

oblak · llorente/molina · gimenez/azpi · witsel/mouriño · lenormand/kostis/reinildo · lino/riquelme · koke/gallagher · de paul/barrios · griezmann/vermeeren · alvarez/félix/lemar · sorloth/correa

A focus on high pressing and rapid transitions defines this Atlético lineup, which operates in a 3-4-3 formation. The team works to squeeze the space high up the pitch to win the ball and hit in behind on the transition. This formation is built to play a vertical game that relies on physical presence and quick movement to catch the opposition out of position.

Jan Oblak starts between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line consists of a back three where Witsel or Mouriño acts as the central defender to hold the line. Gimenez or Azpi operates as the right centre back, while Reinildo, Kostis, or Lenormand covers the left centre back spot. These defenders are tasked to win the second ball and clear the lines when under pressure. The unit works to stay compact and defend zonally to prevent through balls.

The midfield functions with a central pairing of De Paul or Barrios and Koke or Gallagher. Koke, the captain, works to connect the defensive and attacking lines while maintaining the team shape. De Paul or Barrios provides the grit to win the ball in the middle and shield the defence. On the flanks, Lino or Riquelme acts as a left midfielder to push up, while Llorente or Molina provides energy on the right. These players must track back to help the back three when the team drops into a mid-block.

In the attacking third, Atlético uses three attackers to stretch the defence. Sorloth or Correa leads the line as a physical presence to hold up the ball and win headers. Griezmann or Vermeeren operates on the right to cut inside and create chances, while Alvarez, Félix, or Lemar occupies the left wing. The forwards are expected to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. This setup creates many runs in behind and looks to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

One major advantage for Atlético is the ability to press high in coordinated waves with the front three and midfield. The formation also provides width through the wide midfielders, allowing them to overlap the winger and deliver crosses into the box. This creates numerical superiority in certain zones of the pitch during the attacking phase. The team can also quickly shift between a high press and a compact defensive block.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for a side that wants to dominate transitions and use physical strength to bully opponents. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.