Botafogo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12- John
26- Gregore
15- Bastos
20- A. Barboza
22- Vitinho
8- Wendel*
17- M. Freitas
13- A. Telles
10- J. Savarino
11- B. Rollheiser*
99- Igor Jesus

Botafogo relies on a high press to win the ball back high up the pitch using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a vertical game that looks to break the lines as quickly as possible once possession is regained. The team wants to stretch the defence by using wide players to create space in the central areas for the attackers to exploit.

John stands between the posts to command the area and organize the back line. The defensive unit works as a back three where Bastos plays as the right centre-back and A. Barboza acts as the left centre-back. Gregore sits in the middle to act as a ball playing defender who can step up into midfield to provide extra cover. These three defenders must maintain a high line to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from playing long balls behind them.

The midfield functions as a four man unit that connects the defence to the attack. Wendel and M. Freitas form a central pairing where Wendel looks to press aggressively to win the ball high and M. Freitas works to recycle possession. Vitinho and A. Telles operate as wide midfielders who provide the width. Vitinho pushes forward to overlap the winger while A. Telles tracks back to help the defence when the team loses the ball.

In the attacking phase, Botafogo uses three forwards to pin the last defender. Igor Jesus acts as a pressing centre-forward who works to harass the opposition centre-backs and hold up the ball. J. Savarino plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create chances, while B. Rollheiser operates on the right wing. These attackers look to find the feet of the striker or make runs in behind to exploit gaps in the defensive line.

One major advantage for Botafogo is the ability to create wide overloads through the movements of Vitinho and A. Telles. The team also benefits from the speed of transition when the central midfield duo of Wendel and M. Freitas can quickly move the ball forward to the front three. This setup allows them to transition from a mid-block into a direct attacking threat very effectively.

This formation is built for a team that wants to dominate through high intensity and quick transitions. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under pressure.