Serbia National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

P.Rajković · N.Milenković · S.Pavlović · S.Eraković · A.Živković · D.Vlahović · A.Mitrović (C) · S.Milinković-Savić · F.Kostić · S.Lukić · M.Grujić

Serbia looks to play a direct and physical brand of football using a 3-5-2. This formation is built to win the second ball and use the strength of the forwards to pin the opposition back. The lineup relies on a strong central presence to control the tempo and disrupt the opponent in the middle of the pitch.

P.Rajković guards the goal as the defensive unit works behind him. The back three consists of N.Milenković, S.Pavlović, and S.Eraković. Milenković acts as a dominant presence in the air, while Pavlović and Eraković cover the wide areas of the central defense. This trio stays compact to defend zonally and ensure no space is found between the lines. They aim to win headers and clear the lines whenever the ball enters the box.

The midfield is a crowded area designed to squeeze the space in the center. S.Milinković-Savić operates in the hole behind the two strikers, acting as the main link between the lines. M.Grujić and S.Lukić form a double pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. While the central trio holds the middle, A.Živković and F.Kostić provide the necessary width. They push high to support the attack but must track back to maintain the defensive block.

Serbia utilizes a two-man front line featuring D.Vlahović and the captain A.Mitrović. Mitrović, who serves as the captain, uses his aerial strength and physical presence to hold up the ball. Vlahović works alongside him to make runs in behind and attack the space between defenders. They press the opposition back line from the front to force a long ball. The attack is built through quick combinations and finding the feet of the strikers in tight spaces.

A major tactical advantage for Serbia is the ability to create numerical superiority in the central areas. The presence of Milinković-Savić between the lines can overload the midfield. Additionally, the wide midfielders can quickly transition into a five man defense to provide compactness when defending. This makes the team very difficult to break down in a low block.

This 3-5-2 formation is built for a heavy, physical game that relies on winning duels. It is best suited for facing teams that play with a high line and leave space behind their defenders.