Shakhtar Football Formation

Starting Lineup

29 Carnesecchi (28 R.Patricio / 1 Montipò)
17 Mancini (4 Izzo / 27 Vojvoda)
23 Tomori (22 Pablo Marì)
16 Rafa Marin (5 Pongracic)
2 Dumfries (33 Miranda)
8 Pasalic (80 Musah)
6 Gilmour (68 Lobotka / 16 Paredes)
98 Dennis Man (25 Gyasi / 7 Almqvist)
10 Leao (11 Lookman / 77 Noslin)
9 Thuram (18 Castro / 90 Scamacca)
35 Baldanzi (36 Marchwinski)

Shakhtar relies on a heavy high press and quick transitions within a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and hit the opposition before they can settle. The team looks to control the central areas and use the width provided by the wingbacks to stretch the defence during attacks.

Carnesecchi plays behind a back three that operates with a high line to squeeze the space. Tomori acts as the central defender, using his physical presence to win the header and cover the space behind. On either side, Mancini and Rafa Marin occupy the wide centre-back roles to provide security against central runners. This defensive unit works to keep the distance between the back line and the midfield small, ensuring the team can press in a compact block.

The midfield functions with a combination of defensive screening and creative driving. Gilmour works as a single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Beside him, Pasalic helps to win the second ball and connect the lines. Dumfries pushes forward into the central spaces to provide extra presence in the middle, while Baldanzi and Dennis Man operate in the half spaces. Dennis Man and Baldanzi act as the attacking midfielders who press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch.

Shakhtar uses a front two to pin the last defender and create vertical threats. Leao and Thuram work in a partnership, with Leao often looking to cut inside from the left to use his dribbling style and speed. Thuram provides a physical presence to hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. The forwards press the opposition back line relentlessly, looking to force a long ball or win it back in dangerous areas. This front line is designed to create runs in behind and exploit gaps through quick one-two combinations.

This formation offers Shakhtar significant numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch. The presence of Dumfries alongside the central midfielders allows the team to overload the centre or shift wide when Dennis Man and Baldanzi move into position. Another advantage is the ability to press in coordinated waves, using the front two and the attacking midfielders to trap opponents.

The 3-5-2 formation makes Shakhtar a difficult side to play against due to their intensity in the middle third. It is a setup best suited for games against teams that try to play out from the back.