West Ham Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Benjamin Sesko (Niklas Füllkrug) · Jarrod Bowen (Summerville) · Kudus (Yeremay Hdez) · Lucas Paqueta (Carlos Soler) · Eric Martel (Miguel Gutiérrez) · Edson Álvarez (Guido Rodríguez) · Marc Pubill (Wan-Bissaka) · Todibo (Mosquera) · Max Killman (Nayef Aguerd) · Areola (Guillaume Restes) · Enzo Millot (Ward-Prowse)

West Ham aims to play a direct and counter attacking style of football. This is achieved through a 5-2-3 formation that focuses on defensive solidity and quick transitions. The team looks to stay compact and wait for the right moment to strike. By sitting in a mid block, the players aim to squeeze the space in the middle and force the opposition wide to prevent direct play through the center.

Areola operates as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit uses a back five to stay narrow and hard to break down. Todibo sits in the center as a dominant defender to win the header and clear the lines. Edson Álvarez plays as the right centre-back, using his defensive positioning to intercept passes. Eric Martel provides cover on the left side of the central trio. Marc Pubill and Max Killman act as attacking wing backs who provide width by pushing high up the pitch. This allows the team to defend zonally while being ready to spread wide during an attack.

The midfield functions as a double pivot consisting of Lucas Paqueta and Enzo Millot. Paqueta acts as the primary playmaker, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines with his passing range. Enzo Millot works to shield the defense and win the second ball in the center. Together, they connect the defensive unit to the front three. They must work to press in a mid block and quickly recycle possession once the ball is won.

In the attacking phase, the team employs three forwards to stretch the defense. Benjamin Sesko leads the line as a target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and find teammates. Jarrod Bowen operates from the right wing, often looking to cut inside and arrive late into the box. On the left, Kudus uses his dribbling style to carry the ball forward and beat his marker. This front line is designed to hit in behind on the transition and create runs in behind the opposition defense.

One main advantage for West Ham is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Marc Pubill and Max Killman. This forces the opposition to track back and covers the wings. Another strength is the speed of transition, as the front three can break quickly once the midfield wins the ball. The formation also allows for great compactness when defending in a low block.

This 5-2-3 lineup provides a platform for a lethal counter attacking identity. It is ideally suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line, allowing the team to exploit gaps in transition.