Marseille Football Formation

Starting Lineup

G.Rulli · R.Vaz · M.Greenwood · A.Gouiri · N.Fagioli · A.Rabiot · P.Højbjerg · N.Zalewski · L.Balerdi · A.Murillo · S.Giménez

Marseille aims to play a direct and vertical style of football by using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. The primary goal is to use the width provided by wing backs to stretch the play before hitting the box with speed.

G.Rulli sits between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line functions as a narrow defensive block consisting of three central defenders. L.Balerdi acts as the ball playing defender to start attacks, while P.Højbjerg and A.Rabiot provide cover and strength in the middle of the three. On the flanks, N.Zalewski and A.Murillo play as attacking wing backs. They push high up the pitch to provide width, which allows the central trio to stay compact when the team sits deep.

A three man midfield operates in front of the back five to control the center of the pitch. N.Fagioli plays as the single pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Moving forward from this position are A.Gouiri and M.Greenwood. A.Gouiri works to connect the defensive and attacking lines by finding pockets of space, while M.Greenwood drives forward with the ball to support the attack. This trio works to squeeze the space in the middle and win the second ball.

The attacking unit uses two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. S.Giménez and R.Vaz operate as the two strikers, often looking to run in behind the defenders. S.Giménez acts as a pressing centre-forward to force mistakes, while R.Vaz looks to link up play between the lines. The team builds attacks through the wide areas, with the wing backs looking to whip it in for the two forwards to attack the near post or far post.

Marseille finds success through the ability to press high in coordinated waves when they win the ball back. The formation also provides great compactness when defending, making it hard for opponents to play through the middle. By using the wing backs to create wide overloads, the team can effectively isolate wide players in one on one situations during a break.

This 5-3-2 formation makes Marseille a very difficult team to break down in a low block. It is best suited for matches against high line teams where the speed of the two strikers can be exploited.