Congo National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

MANDANDA · MANGALA · BATSHUAYI · NZONZI · IMBULA · VAN DEN BORRE · J.LUKAKU · BOSINGWa · kompany · benteke · makelele

Congo seeks to dominate the middle of the pitch by using a 2-6-2 formation. The lineup is built to overwhelm the opposition through heavy central presence and constant control of the ball. This way of playing focuses on keeping the ball in tight spaces to tire out the opponent.

Steve Mandanda uses his shot-stopping in goal to protect a very narrow defensive line. The two central defenders, Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala, must stay compact to defend the middle. Vincent Kompany uses his aerial strength to win headers when the opposition crosses, while Eliaquim Mangala is tasked to cover the space behind him. Because the team plays with only two defenders, they often step up to set the offside trap and squeeze the space.

The midfield is a massive block of six players that connects the defense to the attack. VAN DEN BORRE acts as a single pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Jerome Bosingwa and Claude Makelele occupy the central areas to win the second ball and move the ball forward. NZONZI and IMBULA play as two tens in the half-spaces to press high and create chances. J.LUKAKU acts as a carrier in the right channel to drive the ball forward and break the line.

In the attacking phase, Congo uses two forwards to stress the opposition back line. Christian Benteke acts as a target man to hold up the ball and use his physical presence and aerial strength. Michy Batshuayi plays as a second striker who uses his movement to arrive late into the box. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball, allowing the midfield to win it back high up the pitch. This allows the team to create link-up play between the lines and look for runs in behind.

This 2-6-2 formation offers huge numerical superiority in the center of the pitch. Congo can use the six midfielders to create overloads and press in pairs to win it back high up the pitch. The compactness when defending the central areas makes it difficult for opponents to play through the lines.

Congo relies on this 2-6-2 formation to dictate the tempo and squeeze the opposition into their own half. It is a high-risk lineup best suited for matches where the team needs to crush a midfield that relies on playing through the center.