Shimizu Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Tiago CR7 · Mbappie Nzinga · João Esteves · Santi · Diogo · Don Pinto · João Paiva · Ruben Gonda · Rodrigo · Virgem Nzinga · Zé Manga

To control the middle of the pitch, Shimizu relies on a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to play vertical football through a crowded midfield. The identity is focused on a high press designed to squeeze the opposition in their own half. The goal is to win the ball in the center and move it quickly to the front line to catch the opposition out of position.

Zé Manga stays between the posts to command his area. The defense operates as a back three with Virgem Nzinga sitting in the center to act as the primary defender. Rodrigo occupies the right side of the back three while Ruben Gonda holds the left side. These defenders must stay compact to defend zonally and prevent through balls. They need to win the header in aerial duels and be ready to cover for the midfield when players move into the channels.

In the center, Shimizu uses a five-man midfield to dominate the middle. Don Pinto and João Paiva sit in front of the defense to shield the back line and intercept passes. Santi and Diogo work in the half-spaces to carry the ball forward and link the defense to the attack. João Esteves plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, looking to play through the lines and find the forwards in space. This lineup allows the team to recycle possession and control the tempo.

The attack features a partnership of two forwards, Tiago CR7 and Mbappie Nzinga. Tiago CR7 works to hold up the ball and arrives late into the box to score, using his clinical finishing. Mbappie Nzinga uses his immense pace to run in behind the last defender. They press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. While the forwards occupy the center, the width is provided by the midfielders pushing into the wide areas. The two forwards often combine in tight spaces to pull the defenders out of position, creating space for João Esteves to make runs.

This formation provides a clear numerical superiority in midfield. By having five players in the middle, the team can squeeze the space and make it hard for opponents to play through the center. The speed of transition is another key asset. When Don Pinto or João Paiva win the ball, they can quickly switch play to the attackers to catch the defense while they are still moving up the pitch.

This 3-5-2 formation is a powerful tool for controlling the center of the pitch through massed numbers. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a narrow midfield where Shimizu can exploit the space.