Vélez Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Chilavert · Gallo · Cubero · Spinetto · Cuciuffo · Larraquy · Willington · Bassedas · Bianchi · Asad · Flores

Vélez seeks to play a vertical game through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on absorbing pressure and hitting teams on the transition to catch the opposition out of position. The goal is to stay compact and use the width of the pitch when the ball is won back.

Chilavert stays between the posts to command the area with his shot stopping and set piece delivery. The defense operates with a back five. Larraquy holds the center as the primary defender to win the header and clear the lines. Cubero and Spinetto sit on either side as wide centre-backs to cover the channels. Gallo acts as a right wing back to push high, while Cuciuffo plays as an attacking wing back on the left. This unit works to defend zonally and protect the central zone.

A two-man midfield acts as the engine. Bassedas and Willington occupy the central spaces to link the defensive and attacking lines. Bassedas stays deeper to shield the defense and recycle possession. Willington acts as the carrier to drive forward with the ball and break the line. They must stay close to each other to compress the midfield when the opponent tries to play through the center.

The front line consists of three attackers. Bianchi plays as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Flores and Asad work as wide wingers to stretch the defense. Asad looks to cut inside and create chances, while Flores can pull wide to deliver crosses. The team looks to hit in behind on the transition to exploit the spaces left by the opposition.

One major advantage for Vélez is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs join the attack. When Gallo and Cuciuffo push up, they provide extra support for the front three. Another strength is the compactness when defending in a mid-block. This formation makes it very hard for opponents to find space between the lines.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a high tempo counter attacking style. It is most effective when playing against teams that push high up the pitch and leave gaps in the back.