Valencia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Caprile · Cúbarsi (c) · Mika Marmol · Carreras · Lima · Bajcetic · Diomande · Sara · Lopez · Moleiro · Joao Pedro

Valencia aims to play with a vertical identity using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to attack quickly and use direct passes to move the ball up the pitch. The focus remains on quick transitions and moving the ball from the defensive third into the final third with speed to catch the opponent out.

Caprile plays in goal to anchor the defense. The back line functions as a flat back four where Lima acts as a right back and Carreras plays at left back. Cúbarsi, who is the captain, plays as a ball playing centre back to play out from the back. Mika Marmol stays alongside him to cover space and win headers in the air. The wide defenders are expected to push high to provide width and overlap the wingers. The defensive unit stays compact to protect the centre of the pitch.

The midfield is a three-man midfield with a carrier to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Bajcetic acts as the shield for the defense to win the second ball and protect the centre backs. Diomande plays as the carrier who can carry the ball forward and press in a mid-block to regain possession. Sara operates as an attacking ten behind the striker to find pockets of space and create chances. This midfielder will often arrive late into the box to finish moves.

Joao Pedro leads the attack as a lone striker. He works to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates in tight spaces. On the wings, Moleiro and Lopez act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create more central threats. Moleiro likes to pull wide to stretch the defence before cutting in to find a passing lane. Lopez looks to isolate his man one on one to drive toward the goal. These movements allow Carreras and Lima to overlap the winger and deliver a cross.

The formation offers Valencia the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using Moleiro and Lopez to press the opposition back line, the team can win it back high up the pitch. Another strength is the capacity to create numerical superiority in the middle of the park. This allows the team to recycle possession and wait for the right moment to hit in behind on the transition.

This 4-3-3 is a potent way to play against teams that play a high line. It is a formation best suited for matches where Valencia can exploit space through quick counter attacks.