Lens Football Formation

Starting Lineup

B.Samba · F.Sotoca · M.Satriano · A.Zaroury · A.Fulgini · J.Chávez · K.Danso · A.Khusanov · A.Thomasson · J.Gradit · P.Frankowski

Lens focuses on a direct and high pressing style of play through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly in transition. By utilizing a wide attacking front, RC Lens looks to stretch the opposition defense while maintaining a compact defensive unit that is difficult to break down.

B.Samba plays behind a back five that can shift into a defensive block when the team sits deep. K.Danso and P.Frankowski act as the central defenders, with Danso providing aerial strength to defend set pieces and Frankowski covering the space behind. A.Khusanov operates as the right wide centre-back, ready to step up into midfield or push wide to defend the flank. The wide defenders, J.Gradit at right wing back and J.Chávez at left wing back, are tasked with providing width and tracking back to form a five man line when out of possession.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. A.Fulgini and A.Thomasson work to shield the defense and win the second ball in the middle third. Thomasson is tasked to press aggressively to win the ball high, while Fulgini connects the defensive line to the attackers. These two must work hard to cover the space between the lines and ensure the team is not bypassed through the center.

Lens employs three attackers to pressure the opposition back line. M.Satriano acts as a pressing centre-forward, looking to win duels and find the feet of his teammates. On the flanks, F.Sotoca and A.Zaroury play as wide wingers who want to cut inside to create goal scoring chances. The movements of these three are designed to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to overlap the winger, creating constant pressure on the wide areas.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. The team also benefits from wide overloads when J.Gradit and J.Chávez push forward to join the attack. This creates numerical superiority in the final third and forces the opposition to defend deep in their own half.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a strong balance between a compact defense and a dangerous counter attack. It is best suited for matches where Lens needs to exploit spaces behind a high defensive line or face teams that struggle with intense pressing.