Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sivera · Manu Sanchez (Diarra) · Sedlar (Diarra) · Abqar · Tenaglia (Novoa) · Guevara (Benavidez) · Blanco (Abdallahi) · Conechny (Stoichkov / L. Rioja) · Guridi (Hugo Novoa / L. Rioja) · Carlos Vicente (Romero) · Kike Garcia (Villalibre)

Alavés operates with a 4-2-4 formation designed to play a highly vertical game. The main identity revolves around a high press and rapid transitions to catch the opposition off guard. By committing many players forward, the team aims to pin the opponent back and create constant pressure in the final third.

Sivera guards the goal as the goalkeeper. The defensive unit functions as a flat back four that must remain compact. Tenaglia operates as the right back to provide cover, while Manu Sanchez plays as the left back. In the center, Abqar and Sedlar work as the central defenders to defend zonally. They must stay alert to sweep behind a high line and win the second ball to prevent counter attacks. The back line must hold the line to maintain compactness during defensive phases.

A double pivot forms the midfield. Guevara and Blanco sit in front of the defense to shield the back four and protect the center of the pitch. While Guevara acts as a carrier to drive the ball forward, Blanco works to intercept passes and recycle possession. These two players are responsible for connecting the defensive and attacking lines. They must be ready to press in a mid block and quickly play through the lines to reach the front four.

Four players lead the attack to stretch the defense. Conechny and Carlos Vicente act as wide wingers, with Carlos Vicente often looking to cut inside to create chaos. Guridi and Kike Garcia operate as a central partnership of two forwards. This duo works to hold up the ball and find the feet of the midfielders. The front line aims to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. Attacking moves focus on combinations and using runs in behind to exploit any gaps in the opposition's back line.

Numerical superiority in the attacking third is a key advantage of this 4-2-4 lineup. By pushing four players high, Alavés can press in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. Additionally, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations when they receive the ball in space. The ability to hit the opposition on the transition is a major advantage of this formation.

This formation is built for high intensity and direct play. It is most effective when facing opponents who struggle with a high press and can be caught out on the transition.