Levante Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1. Adrià Ruiz (13. Iván García)
26. Siriki
2. Mario Sorio
5. Javier Nüñez
3. Izan Olmos
18. Unai Tirado
19. Joan Castelló (29. Xavier Larouche)
20. Biel Gutiérrez
7. Abdoulie Jawo
9. Andrei Roates
27. Asier Cano

Levante seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with speed on the transition, using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on a heavy press to disrupt the opponent and create chances through quick verticality. The team works to squeeze the space in the middle while using the width of the pitch to stretch the defence.

Adrià Ruiz stays between the posts to command the area. The defensive unit operates with a back three of Unai Tirado, Javier Nüñez, and Mario Sorio. Unai Tirado acts as the central anchor to win the header and clear the lines, while Javier Nüñez and Mario Sorio cover the spaces to the left and right. Siriki operates as an attacking wing back on the right, ready to overlap the winger, while Izan Olmos provides similar width on the left side. This grouping allows the team to sit deep or step up to set the offside trap as a unit.

In the middle of the park, Levante uses a double pivot consisting of Joan Castelló and Biel Gutiérrez. These two players must work hard to protect the back line and win the second ball. Joan Castelló and Biel Gutiérrez connect the defensive and attacking lines by receiving the ball from the centre backs and driving forward. They are tasked to press in a mid-block to force a long ball from the opposition.

The attack features three players across the front to pin the last defender. Andrei Roates plays as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line. On the flanks, Asier Cano and Abdoulie Jawo act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create space for the wide defenders. Asier Cano and Abdoulie Jawo look to find the feet of the striker or deliver early crosses into the box. This movement forces the opposition to defend in tight spaces.

A major advantage for Levante is the ability to create wide overloads from overlapping full backs like Siriki and Izan Olmos. The team also benefits from a strong ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. By using three attackers, the formation can isolate wide players in one on one situations during a quick break.

Levante uses this 5-2-3 formation to remain compact when defending and lethal on the break. It is a system best suited for games against teams that want to hold possession and leave space behind their defensive line.