Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Owono · Mouriño · Diarra · Manu Sánchez · Tenaglia · Blanco · Guevara · Guridi · Conechny · Carlos Vicente · Kike G

Deportivo Alavés aims to play with a high press and direct play using a 4-2-4. This lineup is built to play an aggressive game that relies on winning the ball high up the pitch and hitting the opponent in transition. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create chances through quick movements.

Owono stands between the posts to command the area. The defence works in a flat back four with Tenaglia on the right and Manu Sánchez on the left. Mouriño and Diarra form the central pairing where they must defend zonally and win the header when the ball is played long. Tenaglia and Manu Sánchez must be ready to track back and cover the space if the wide players lose possession. These central defenders need to hold the line and ensure the team does not get caught by runs in behind.

In the middle of the pitch, Blanco and Guevara form a double pivot. Their main job is to shield the defence and recover possession quickly. This pair must work to compress the midfield and prevent the opponent from playing through the lines. One midfielder often drops to help play out from the back while the other tries to carry the ball forward to connect with the attackers. This two man unit is the engine that links the defensive unit to the front four.

The attacking unit features four players working in tandem to pin the opposition back. Conechny and Carlos Vicente act as wingers who look to spread wide and get to the byline to whip it in. Carlos Vicente and Conechny often look to isolate a one on one wide to create scoring opportunities. Guridi and Kike G operate as a central duo. While Guridi can act as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the build up, Kike G works to find the feet of his partner and hold up the ball to allow others to join the attack.

This 4-2-4 formation provides several tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves. With four attackers, Alavés can force a long ball and win the second ball in the attacking third. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Tenaglia or Manu Sánchez overlap the winger. This creates a situation where the opposition is forced to double up on the wide players, leaving gaps in the middle.

This formation is a bold way to play that prioritizes attacking numbers and intense pressure. It is best suited for games where Alavés needs to break down a low block or exploit a vulnerable opposition defence.