IFK Göteborg Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Bisherahi · Bager · Erlingmark · Bångsbo · Santos · Eriksson · Thordarsson · Trondsen · Pascal (Lundqvist) · Skjellerup · Carlstrand

Focusing on direct transitions and a heavy central presence, IFK Göteborg operates with a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to control the central areas of the pitch by crowding the middle and using the width of the pitch only when necessary. The goal is to win the second ball and move the play forward quickly through the central corridor.

Bisherahi stays between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. The back line functions as a back three, with Erlingmark acting as the central man to clear the lines and organize the unit. Bångsbo covers the left side while Bager holds the right, both working to stay compact and defend zonally. When the opposition plays wide, these defenders must shift to ensure the space is not exploited, while Erlingmark remains the primary force to win the header in the box.

The midfield is the engine of this IFK Göteborg side, utilizing a three-man midfield with a carrier and two wide players. Trondsen and Thordarsson occupy the central roles, where they work to intercept passes and drive forward with the ball to link the lines. Pascal operates as an attacking ten behind the strikers, looking to find pockets of space and play through the lines. Eriksson and Santos act as wide midfielders, providing the width and tracking back to help the defenders when the team sits deep.

In the final third, the team employs two forwards in a partnership. Carlstrand and Skjellerup work together to press the opposition back line and fight for long balls. The two attackers move in combination to pull defenders out of position, often looking to run in behind or hold up the ball to allow Pascal to join the attack. The wide players, Eriksson and Santos, often look to deliver crosses into the box to find the two strikers.

One major advantage for this formation is the ability to create numerical superiority in the central midfield area. By having Pascal, Trondsen, and Thordarsson all occupying the middle, the team can dominate possession and squeeze the space available to the opponent. Another strength is the ability to transition quickly, as the central density allows the team to win the ball and immediately find the two forwards.

This 3-5-2 lineup is built to dominate the central zones and strike through the middle. It is best suited for games against opponents who play with a narrow midfield and struggle to handle physical strikers.