São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
13- G. Montiel*
5- Arboleda
28- A. Franco
6- Wendel*
25- Alisson
29- Pablo Maia
8- Oscar*
10- P. Dybala*
9- J. Calleri
7- Lucas

São Paulo aims to play a high pressing and vertical style of football using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to charge forward and pin the opposition in their own half. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and move quickly toward the goal to catch the defense out of position.

Rafael acts as the lone goalkeeper in this system. The defensive unit operates with a flat back four. Wendel plays as the left back and G. Montiel plays as the right back. Both full backs need to manage the wide areas when the team loses possession. In the middle, Arboleda and A. Franco form the central pairing. Arboleda provides aerial strength and physical presence while A. Franco covers the space behind him. The back four must hold a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield consists of a double pivot. Pablo Maia and Alisson work together to control the center of the pitch. Pablo Maia acts as the shield to protect the back four. Alisson is tasked to carry the ball forward and connect the defense to the attack. This pair must win the second ball and ensure they do not get bypassed by the opposition. They are the engine room that allows the front four to stay high.

The attacking line uses two center forwards and two wide players. P. Dybala and J. Calleri play as the two forwards. J. Calleri acts as a target man to hold up the ball. P. Dybala is the captain and operates as a second striker in the hole to find space between the lines. Lucas stays on the right wing and Oscar stays on the left wing. Both players act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create scoring chances. They look to find the feet of the striker or make runs in behind the defense.

São Paulo gains a major advantage through the high pressing of the four attackers. This creates immediate pressure on the opponent whenever they try to build play. The team also benefits from the ability to isolate wide players in one on one situations when Lucas and Oscar pull wide to stretch the defense.

This 4-2-4 formation is designed for aggressive, attacking football. It is best suited for matches where São Paulo needs to break down a team that sits deep in a low block.