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 aims to control games through a heavy high press and quick transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. The system relies on intense running and verticality to break lines quickly once possession is regained.

Carnesecchi stands between the posts to manage the defensive line. The back three consists of Tomori, Pongracic, and the captain Mancini. Mancini acts as the right centre-back to lead the line, while Tomori and Pongracic cover the left and central zones. They maintain a high line to keep the team compact, with Tomori using his pace to sweep behind the defense. This defensive unit works to intercept passes and force the opposition into wide areas.

A central pairing of Pasalic and Barella forms the engine room in a two-man midfield. Barella uses his high energy and driving runs to carry the ball forward, while Pasalic helps to shield the defense and recycle possession. These two connect the back three to the front three, often dropping deep to pick up the ball from the defenders. They work to press in a mid-block and win the second ball to keep the pressure on the opponent.

The attack features three dangerous players looking to stretch the defense. Thuram acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and link play, while Lookman and Dennis Man operate as wide attackers. Lookman tends to cut inside from the left, creating space for Ruggeri to push up, whereas Dennis Man stays wide on the right to isolate defenders. The wing backs, Dumfries and Ruggeri, provide the width, often overlapping the wingers to deliver crosses into the box.

Shakhtar gains a massive advantage through wide overloads when the wing backs and wingers combine. The formation also offers the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for the opposition to build from the back. By using the strength of the central trio, the team can also create numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch during certain phases of play.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to dominate through aggression and quick ball movement. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play under intense pressure or those who leave space behind their defensive line.