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Albania National Football Team Formation

Creation DateSeptember 20, 2024

Starting Lineup

Muriqi (9) · Zhegrova (11) · Broja (19) · Asllani (21) · Laci (14) · Rashica (7) · Mitaj (3) · Muric (12) · Ismajli (18) · Djimsiti (6) · Rrahmani (4)

Albania looks to win the ball high up the pitch and play through the thirds using a 3-4-3. This formation is built to play a high press and use quick transitions to punish opponents. The team relies on verticality and directness to move the ball from the defensive line to the front three as fast as possible.

Muric stands between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates as a back three consisting of Djimsiti, Ismajli, and Rrahmani. Djimsiti acts as the right centre back to cover the space behind the wingers, while Rrahmani sits on the left to provide cover. Ismajli holds the center of the line to win headers and block runs. The back three stays compact to squeeze the space between the lines and protect the middle of the pitch.

The midfield functions as a four man unit that connects the defence to the attack. Laci and Asllani operate as the central duo to win the second ball and recycle possession. Laci works to shield the defence and break the line with his passing range, while Asllani drives forward with the ball to link play. On the flanks, Rashica and Mitaj act as wide midfielders who can push up to support the attack or drop back to form a five man line when defending.

Albania uses three attackers across the front to stretch the defence. Muriqi acts as a target man who can hold up the ball and win the header to bring others into play. Broja and Zhegrova play as wide attackers who cut inside to threaten the goal. Broja works to make runs in behind the opposition defence, while Zhegrova looks to create chances by drifting into the half spaces. These three forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opponent.

This formation offers great speed of transition when the team wins it back high up the pitch. The presence of Muriqi allows Albania to go direct and bypass the midfield when needed. By using Rashica and Mitaj, the team can create wide overloads to pull the opposition defenders out of position.

Albania uses this 3-4-3 to maintain a high press and exploit gaps in the opposition back line. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back or leave space behind their defenders.