Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

siviera · Tenaglia · A. Abqar · A.Pica · Manu Sánchez · A. Blanco · Carlos Benavidez · Carlos Vicente · Guridi · A. Rebbach · Kike García

Alavés aims to control the game through a compact mid-block and efficient transitions using a 4-5-1. This formation is built to play a direct style of football that relies on defensive discipline and quick vertical movements to catch opponents off guard. By saturating the middle of the pitch, the team seeks to stifle the opposition and win the second ball to initiate attacks.

Siviera stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four with Tenaglia providing stability at right back while Manu Sánchez covers the left side. In the center, A. Abqar and A. Pica form the heart of the defense, with A. Abqar providing aerial strength and Pica acting as the covering defender. This unit works to squeeze the space between the lines and hold the line when the team drops deep to defend.

The midfield is composed of five players designed to congest the central areas. Carlos Benavidez and A. Blanco act as a double pivot to shield the defense and protect the center backs. Guridi operates in the center to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Carlos Vicente and A. Rebbach occupy the half spaces to provide passing options. This five man midfield works to intercept passes and press in a mid-block to force the opposition into long balls.

Up front, the team relies on Kike García acting as a lone striker and a target man. He works to hold up the ball and fight for headers to bring the midfielders into the play. The attack is built through quick transitions where the wide midfielders look to spread wide and deliver crosses into the box. Kike García often pins the last defender, creating space for runners like Guridi or Carlos Vicente to arrive late into the box during attacking phases.

One major advantage for Alavés is the ability to create numerical superiority in the middle of the park. This density makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the center. Another strength is the speed of transition once the midfield wins the ball back high up the pitch. The team can quickly switch play to the wings to catch the opposition defense before they can reset their positions.

This 4-5-1 formation provides a very solid defensive foundation that is difficult to break down. It is best suited for games against ball dominant teams where Alavés needs to sit deep and strike on the counter.