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Monaco Football Formation

Creation DateFebruary 12, 2025

Starting Lineup

Köhn · Kehrer · Salisu · Vanderson · Caio Henrique · Al-Musrati · Zakaria · Golovin · Akliouche · Ben Seghir · Biereth

Monaco focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the space in the opponent half and win the ball back high up the pitch to catch teams out of position. The team looks to use width and verticality to move the ball quickly from defense to the attacking trio.

Köhn guards the goal as the last line of defense. The defensive unit operates in a back five with Al-Musrati acting as the central anchor to command the area. Salisu and Kehrer play as the wide centre-backs, where Salisu provides aerial strength and Kehrer covers the space behind the wing backs. Vanderson and Caio Henrique operate as attacking wing backs who provide the width in the final third. They are expected to push high up the pitch while the three centre backs hold the line and defend zonally to manage any runners.

The midfield consists of a two man unit tasked with controlling the center of the pitch. Zakaria acts as the primary carrier who drives forward with the ball to break the lines. Golovin plays alongside him to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often looking to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. Together, they must press aggressively to win the ball back and prevent the opposition from playing out from the back.

In the attacking phase, Monaco utilizes three attackers across the front. Biereth operates as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender and lead the line. Akliouche and Ben Seghir play as wide attackers who often cut inside to create central presence and pull wide to stretch the defence. This movement creates space for the wing backs to overlap the winger and deliver crosses into the box. The attackers aim to combine in tight spaces to create runs in behind.

One major advantage for Monaco is the ability to create wide overloads from the overlapping runs of Vanderson and Caio Henrique. This formation also allows for the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build play. The presence of Zakaria and Golovin allows the team to maintain compactness when defending in a mid-block.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed to overwhelm opponents through high intensity pressing and rapid transitions. It is best suited for games where the team can exploit space behind a high defensive line.