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 looks to win the ball high up the pitch and play through the thirds with a high press, utilizing a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the ball and stretch the defence through wide areas. The team relies on quick transitions and heavy pressure to disrupt the opposition in their own half.

Carnesecchi acts as the goalkeeper to start the build up from the back. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Tomori, Pongracic, and Mancini (C). Mancini (C) leads the line as the right center back, providing leadership to the backline. Tomori and Pongracic act as the other two central defenders, with Tomori using his strength and speed to cover wide spaces. This defensive unit works to hold a high line and squeeze the space between the lines to keep the team compact.

The midfield is composed of a central pairing with two wide players. Barella and Pasalic operate in the middle, where Barella uses his high work rate and driving runs to connect the defence and attack. Pasalic provides support in the middle to help win the second ball and recycle possession. On the flanks, Ruggeri and Dumfries act as wing backs to provide width. Dumfries and Ruggeri push high to overlap the attackers, while also tracking back to help the back three when the team loses the ball.

The attacking line features three players who focus on creating chances in the final third. Thuram acts as the lone striker, using his strength to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Lookman and Dennis Man operate as wide attackers, with Lookman cutting inside from the left and Dennis Man working from the right. These wingers look to isolate the opposition full backs one on one or pull wide to allow the wing backs to advance. The front three press the opposition back line together to force a long ball.

Shakhtar benefits from wide overloads when Dumfries and Ruggeri join the attack. The central pairing of Barella and Pasalic allows the team to control the tempo and create numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch. This formation also allows for a very aggressive press from the front, which can win the ball back high up the pitch.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to control matches through high intensity and wide play. It is best suited for facing opponents that play with a high line and can be caught on the transition.