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Shakhtar Football Formation

Creation DateOctober 27, 2024

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 aim to dominate games through a high press and rapid verticality. This 3-4-3 formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and exploit space quickly. The team looks to push the opposition back and use wide areas to stretch the defence.

Carnesecchi sits between the posts to organize the defensive unit. Behind the midfield, a back three forms a narrow defensive block. Mancini (C), acting as the captain, leads the line and provides strength in the air as the right centre-back. Pongracic occupies the left centre-back spot to cover space, while Tomori plays as the central defender to sweep behind a high line. This unit stays compact to deny the turn to attackers.

The midfield operates as a four man block with two central players. Barella works in the middle to drive forward with the ball and connect the lines. Beside him, Pasalic acts to shield the defence and press aggressively to win the ball high. On the flanks, Dumfries plays as a right wing back to provide width, while Ruggeri operates on the left to overlap the winger. This midfield unit works to compress the midfield and win the second ball.

A front three provides constant pressure on the opposition back line. Thuram leads the attack as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender. On the wings, Lookman acts as an inverted winger to cut inside and create chances, while Dennis Man stays wide to isolate a one on one wide. This front line looks to hit in behind on the transition and create runs in behind. The team uses combinations in tight spaces to find the feet of the striker.

Shakhtar gain a tactical advantage through wide overloads from overlapping full backs. The presence of Barella and Pasalic allows the team to maintain numerical superiority in midfield when they move into possession. They also benefit from the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opposition.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on intense pressing and quick transitions to overwhelm opponents. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line and leave space behind the defence.