Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

oblak · llorente (molina) · gimenez (azpilicueta) · le normand (witsel) · ? (kostis/reinildo) · lino (riquelme) · koke (barrios) · gallagher (de paul) · alvarez (correa/vermeeren) · griezmann (giuliano) · sorloth (correa)

Atlético relies on a high press and intense defensive work to control matches. The team utilizes a 3-4-3 formation to squeeze the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch. This formation is built to transition quickly once the ball is won, looking to hit in behind the opposition defense with speed and directness.

In goal, oblak provides a command of the area to win the second ball and protect the goal. The back line functions as a narrow defensive block with le normand and gimenez anchoring the defense. These defenders work to hold the line and cover for each other to ensure the space behind is never left exposed. They defend zonally to maintain a compact unit and stay close to one another when the team must sit deep.

The midfield is a four-man unit built around a central duo and two wide players who drive the team forward. koke and gallagher work in the center to shield the defense and press aggressively to win the ball high. gallagher uses his high pressing intensity to disrupt the opponent, while koke looks to recycle possession and play short from the back. On the flanks, lino and llorente act as wide players who can push forward to overlap or track back to assist the defense. They connect the defensive and attacking lines by carrying the ball forward through the thirds.

The attacking line uses three players to stretch the opposition. sorloth acts as a target man to win the header and hold up the ball in the final third. griezmann and alvarez operate from wide positions, with both players looking to cut inside to create chances in tight spaces. griezmann uses his passing range to split the defense with a through ball, while alvarez looks to find the feet of the striker. This front line is designed to create runs in behind and allow the midfielders to arrive late into the box.

A major strength of the Atlético lineup is the ability to press in coordinated waves. The central presence of koke and gallagher helps the team win the ball back high up the pitch, creating many chances in transition. Additionally, the width provided by lino and llorente allows the team to spread wide and force the opposition to stretch. This creates more room in the center for the forwards to combine.

This formation is centered on a high press and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for games against teams that try to play out from the back and leave space behind their defensive line.