Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Giménez (2) · Witsel (20) · Le Normand (24) · Molina (16) · De Paul (5) · Llorente (14) · Lino (12) · Álvarez (19) · Griezmann (7) · Koke (6) · Oblak (13)

Atlético play a highly compact and defensive style through a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup relies on a heavy press and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The team looks to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch while remaining ready to drop into a low block when the opposition has the ball.

Jan Oblak sits between the posts to anchor the back line. The defense operates with a back three consisting of Witsel, Giménez, and Le Normand. Witsel acts as a ball playing defender, while Giménez provides strength in the air to win the header in defensive duels. Le Normand helps cover the space and keeps the defensive line moving together. The unit functions by staying narrow to deny central access and forcing the play toward the flanks.

The midfield is built around a three man midfield with a carrier and a creative influence. Koke acts as the attacking ten, looking to play through the lines and connect the play to the forwards. De Paul and Llorente work to control the center, with De Paul often tasked to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces. These players work to win the second ball and press aggressively to win it back high up the pitch. Lino and Molina provide the necessary width, acting as attacking wing backs who push up to support the attack and drop back to help the defenders.

The attacking front line utilizes a partnership of two forwards to stretch the opposition. Griezmann plays as a second striker in the hole, often dropping deep to link up play and find the feet of the striker. Álvarez operates as the more advanced forward, looking to make runs in behind the defensive line. They combine in tight spaces to create chances, with Griezmann often pulling wide to create overloads. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition defense.

Atlético possess great strength in their ability to press in a mid block and transition with speed. The wide players, Lino and Molina, create wide overloads when they overlap the midfielders. Having Koke, De Paul, and Llorente in the middle allows for numerical superiority in the center of the pitch. This allows the team to maintain a compact shape while still having the legs to move forward quickly.

This 3-5-2 formation is built for a team that wants to dominate through defensive solidity and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for matches against ball dominant teams that can be exploited in transition.