Botafogo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Marcelo Grohe · Danilo · Léo Pereira · Murillo · Wendell · André · Alisson · Alan Patrick · Júnior Santos · Vitor Roque · Felipe Anderson

Botafogo focuses on a high press and quick transitions through a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and move forward with speed to catch the opposition before they can get behind. The team relies on verticality to break lines and create scoring chances quickly.

Marcelo Grohe stands between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back four operates as a zonal line where Danilo acts as a defensive wing back to secure the right side. Wendell provides width on the left, allowing him to overlap when needed. In the center, Léo Pereira and Murillo form the heart of the defense, with Léo Pereira using his aerial strength to defend set pieces and Murillo acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks.

The midfield works in a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative link. André provides the engine, working to shield the defense and win the second ball in the middle. Alisson connects the defensive and attacking lines by receiving the ball and moving it forward. Alan Patrick operates in the half spaces as an attacking ten behind the striker, using his passing range to find teammates in dangerous positions.

In the attacking phase, Botafogo utilizes three attackers across the front. Vitor Roque acts as a pressing centre-forward, constantly working to pin the last defender and find space in the box. Felipe Anderson plays as an inverted winger on the left, cutting inside to create more central presence. Júnior Santos stays wide on the right to stretch the defence, looking to exploit one on one situations. This front three works to press the opposition back line and create runs in behind.

A major tactical strength for Botafogo is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, forcing turnovers in the final third. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Wendell and Felipe Anderson combine on the left. This creates numerical superiority in specific zones, making it difficult for opponents to track runners.

This 4-3-3 formation is built to overwhelm opponents through high intensity and rapid movement. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.