Rennes Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S.Mandanda · A.Kalimuendo · C.Andrés Gómez · A.Gouiri · A.Grønbæk · H.Hateboer · L.Østigård · A.Matusiwa · B.Santamaria · L.Assignon · A.Truffert

Rennes aims to play a direct and heavy pressing game using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and use quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. By utilizing three central defenders and two wing backs, the team seeks to control the width while maintaining a compact defensive block.

S.Mandanda acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back line functions as a back three with L.Østigård, L.Assignon, and A.Matusiwa positioned centrally to defend zonally. L.Østigård provides aerial strength and covers space behind his teammates. A.Matusiwa and L.Assignon hold the line to keep the unit tight. On the flanks, H.Hateboer and A.Truffert act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width. These players must track back quickly to form a five man line when the opposition has the ball, ensuring the team stays hard to beat.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of A.Grønbæk and B.Santamaria. B.Santamaria plays as a deep lying playmaker to help play out from the back and recycle possession. A.Grønbæk works to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive line to the attack. Together, they must squeeze the space in the center to deny the opponent time on the ball. They are tasked with winning the second ball and preventing runners from moving between the lines.

Rennes utilizes three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. A.Kalimuendo acts as a pressing centre forward to lead the hunt from the front. On the wings, A.Gouiri and C.Andrés Gómez operate as wide attackers who look to cut inside and create central presence. The wingers press the opposition full backs to force a long ball. When attacking in transition, the team looks to find the feet of the striker or use the wing backs to overlap the winger, creating chances through quick combinations.

One major advantage for Rennes is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. This lineup also offers the flexibility to shift between shapes, moving from a back five to a back three when the wing backs push high. The central trio of L.Østigård, L.Assignon, and A.Matusiwa provides compactness when defending deep, making it difficult for opponents to find gaps in the middle.

This 5-2-3 formation creates a system that is very difficult to break down in central areas. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with high defensive lines where the speed of A.Kalimuendo and the wingers can be exploited.