Sloboda Tuzla Football Formation

Starting Lineup

PULETIĆ? (BUKVIĆ) · KAPETANOVIĆ U21 (PAVLOVIĆ?) · STAPIĆ? (DEVEDŽIĆ) · MILANOVIĆ? · OSMIĆ (HADŽIBEGANOVIĆ) · ĆIVIĆ (KURTALIĆ) · MEKIĆ? (RAMIĆ U21?) · PERVAN? (MEHMEDOVIĆ U21) · STOJKOVIĆ U21? (MUJARIĆ) · HEBIBOVIĆ? (MIKIĆ?) · KULENOVIĆ? (BODUL?)

Sloboda Tuzla aims to be defensively solid and hard to break down using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before looking to hit teams on the transition. The goal is to deny space between the lines and force the opposition into wide areas where they can be contained.

KULENOVIĆ acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit operates with a back five, where PERVAN, MEKIĆ, and ĆIVIĆ form a central block to protect the penalty area. PERVAN and MEKIĆ focus on winning the second ball and staying compact. ĆIVIĆ provides cover to ensure no runs go through the middle. On the flanks, STOJKOVIĆ and HEBIBOVIĆ play as attacking wing backs, tasked with tracking back to form a five man line when out of possession and pushing high to provide width when the team wins the ball.

The midfield works as a flat four to maintain a narrow defensive block. STAPIĆ and MILANOVIĆ sit in the center to shield the defense and recycle possession. STAPIĆ looks to intercept passes and win the ball back, while MILANOVIĆ provides the link to move the ball forward. On the edges, OSMIĆ and KAPETANOVIĆ play as wide midfielders who must track back to help the wing backs. They help squeeze the space in the middle and ensure the opposition cannot find gaps between the midfield and the defensive line.

In the attacking phase, PULETIĆ plays as a lone striker. He must hold up the ball to allow the midfield and wing backs to move up the pitch. The team builds play by using the width provided by STOJKOVIĆ and HEBIBOVIĆ, who look to deliver crosses into the box. PULETIĆ works to pin the last defender, creating space for MILANOVIĆ or STAPIĆ to arrive late into the box. When Sloboda Tuzla wins the ball, the instruction is to move the ball quickly to the flanks or find PULETIĆ to start a break.

This formation offers great compactness when defending deep, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. The use of wing backs like STOJKOVIĆ and HEBIBOVIĆ allows for wide overloads in transition, catching the opposition before they can get back. By sitting in a low block, the team minimizes the risk of being split by through balls.

Sloboda Tuzla uses this setup to remain resilient and difficult to beat. This 5-4-1 is best suited for matches against dominant sides where the team needs to defend a lead or play against a high pressing opponent.