Shakhtar Football Formation

Starting Lineup

29 Carnesecchi (28 Rui Patricio)
23 Mancini (C) (4 Izzo)
14 Tomori (3 P. Marì)
5 Pongracic (27 Vojvoda)
18 Barella (6 Gilmour)
8 Pasalic (80 Musah)
2 Dumfries (**(27 Vojvoda))
22 Ruggeri (33 Miranda)
98 Dennis Man (19 Gyasi)
11 Lookman (35 Baldanzi)
9 Thuram (18 Castro)

Shakhtar aims to dominate through heavy verticality and high intensity, using a 3-4-3 formation to pin opponents back. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and launch rapid attacks through the half spaces and wide areas. The primary intent is to use width to stretch the opposition before playing through the lines to find the forwards.

Carnesecchi starts in goal to oversee the defensive unit from deep. The back line operates as a back three with Tomori acting as the central defender to sweep behind the line and provide cover. Mancini, who is the captain, leads the defensive group as the right centre-back, while Pongracic plays as the left centre-back. Mancini uses his leadership to ensure the back three stays compact. The defenders are expected to play out from the back to start the buildup and step up to trigger a press when the ball enters their zone.

The midfield operates as a central pair with two wide players providing the width. Barella plays as one of the central midfielders, using his high energy to drive forward with the ball and press aggressively. Pasalic acts alongside him to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often dropping deeper to receive from the defenders. Ruggeri works on the left flank to provide service, while Dumfries operates on the right to overlap the winger. This unit works to squeeze the space in the middle and deny the opposition time on the ball.

In the attacking third, Shakhtar utilizes three forwards to create constant movement. Thuram acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. Dennis Man plays on the right as an inverted winger to cut inside and create chances, while Lookman operates on the left to stretch the defence. These three work in combinations to create runs in behind the opposition defence. The movement of the wingers allows the wide midfielders to push high and deliver crosses into the box.

The tactical advantages of this Shakhtar formation include the ability to create wide overloads when Dumfries and Ruggeri push forward. The team can also use its numbers to win the second ball in the middle of the pitch. Having three central defenders provides a strong base to defend against long balls, allowing the team to play a high line with confidence.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for aggressive teams that want to control the game through high pressing and rapid transitions. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to deal with wide players and constant vertical runs.