Algeria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Ait Nouri (Hadjam) · Bensebaini (Ahmed Touba) · M-A Tougai (S.Keddari) · Mandi (Weiser / Farsi) · Belloumi (Cherki / Atal) · M-A Amoura (Belaili / Benrahma) · Gouiri (Y.Benzia / Bounedjah) · Chaibi (Maza / Aouar) · Bennacer (Boudaoui / Kadri) · Kendouci (Zerrouki / Zorgane) · Mandrea (Guendouz / Zeghba)

Algeria relies on a low block and quick transitions through a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to absorb pressure and strike directly when the opposition leaves space behind their defense. The team focuses on staying compact and making it difficult for the opponent to play through the middle, preferring to win the ball and push forward with pace.

Gouiri stays between the posts to manage the defensive line. The back five functions as a narrow defensive block with Chaibi, Bennacer, and Kendouci operating as the central defenders. Bennacer and Kendouci need to be dominant in the air to defend crosses, while Chaibi acts as a covering defender to sweep up long balls. M-A Amoura acts as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while Belloumi plays as a left wing back to help the defense and push up during attacks.

The midfield works in a flat four to squeeze the space between the lines. Mandi occupies the right side of the midfield while Ait Nouri operates on the left to help the wing backs. Bensebaini and M-A Tougai form the central pairing to protect the defense and win the second ball. Bensebaini acts to shield the defense and break up play, while M-A Tougai is tasked to carry the ball forward and connect the midfield to the lone striker.

Mandrea acts as the lone striker and target man for Algeria. He must hold up the ball to allow the midfield to move up the pitch. The team does not use wide wingers who hug the touchline, instead relying on the wing backs to provide width. When the ball is won, M-A Amoura and Belloumi push high to create overlaps, while Mandrea tries to pin the last defender to create space for the midfielders to arrive late into the box.

This formation provides great compactness when defending deep in their own half. The side uses the width of the wing backs to create overloads in transition once they win the ball. Algeria can also use the strength of the five defenders to force the opponent wide and deny the turn in central areas.

This 5-4-1 formation is a defensive masterclass designed to frustrate superior sides. It is best suited for matches where Algeria needs to sit deep and hit the opponent on the break.