Shakhtar Football Formation

Starting Lineup

[29] CARNESECCHI ([28] RUI PATRICIO) · [23] MANCINI (C) ([4] IZZO) · [14] TOMORI ([3] PABLO 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 seeks to dominate through high intensity and verticality, utilizing a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win it back high up the pitch and move through the thirds with speed. The team aims to stretch the defence by using wide players and aggressive runners to create constant pressure on the opposition.

Carnesecchi acts as the last line of defense, playing a vital role in starting the build up. The defensive unit operates with a back three that maintains a high line to squeeze the space. Mancini (C) leads the backline as the right centre-back, providing leadership while covering the space behind the wingers. Pongracic sits as the left centre-back to defend zonally, while Tomori occupies the central role to win the header and stop direct attacks. This trio works to hold the line and ensure the team stays compact when the opponent tries to play out from the back.

The midfield operates with two central midfielders who must control the center of the pitch. Barella acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball, while Pasalic works to connect the defensive and attacking lines. They are flanked by Dumfries on the right and Ruggeri on the left, who function as attacking wing backs to provide width. These wide players must track back to help the back three but also push high to overlap the winger. This midfield group is tasked to press in a mid-block and win the second ball to keep the pressure on.

In the final third, Shakhtar employs three attackers to pin the last defender. Thuram acts as the lone striker, looking to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Dennis Man plays as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside and create chances, while Lookman operates on the left to stretch the play. These forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The movement of Thuram often creates space for Dennis Man and Lookman to make runs in behind.

One major advantage for Shakhtar is the ability to create wide overloads through the work of Dumfries and Ruggeri. This allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations against full backs. Additionally, the presence of Barella and Pasalic allows the team to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to find space.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for a high pressing game that relies on quick transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play short from the back under intense pressure.