Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Siviera · N. Tenaglia · A. Abqar · A. Pica · Manu Sánchez · A. Blanco · Carlos Benavidez · Carlos Vicente · Guaita · A. Rebbach · Kike García

Alavés aims to play a direct and compact brand of football using a 4-5-1 formation. This lineup relies on a narrow defensive block and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The team seeks to control the middle of the pitch through a crowded midfield while remaining hard to break down in central areas.

Siviera stays between the posts to organize the back line. Alavés operates with a flat back four where N. Tenaglia acts as the right back to provide width and Manu Sánchez covers the left side. In the heart of the defense, A. Pica and A. Abqar form a central pairing tasked with winning the second ball and clearing the lines. The defenders must stay close together to deny the turn to attackers and protect the space behind them.

The midfield is a dense five man unit that looks to squeeze the space in the center. Carlos Benavidez and A. Blanco operate as a double pivot to shield the defense and break up play. Ahead of them, Guaita, Carlos Vicente, and A. Rebbach occupy the central and half spaces to recycle possession and connect the defense to the attack. Carlos Benavidez and A. Blanco work to win it back high up the pitch when possible, while the other three midfielders look to find the feet of the striker.

In the attacking phase, Kike García acts as a lone striker to lead the line. He serves as a target man to hold up the ball and allow the midfielders to push forward. The midfielders like Carlos Vicente and A. Rebbach make runs into the box to support the play. The team uses the width provided by the full backs to stretch the defense and looks to hit in behind on the transition once the ball is recovered.

One major advantage for Alavés is the compactness when defending in a mid-block. By packing the midfield with five players, they make it very difficult for opponents to play through the lines. Another strength is the ability to create numerical superiority in the central areas, which allows the team to win many duels and quickly move the ball forward to Kike García.

This 4-5-1 formation is built for defensive stability and quick counter attacking. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession where Alavés can sit deep and strike on the break.