Everton Football Formation

Creation DateFebruary 22, 2025

Starting Lineup

1- A. Ramsdale*
4- B. White*
6- J. Tarkowski
32- Branthwaite
33- A. Robinson*
5- J. Stones*
16- A. Doucouré
14- Beto
24- C. Alcaraz
11- J. Harrison
17- R. Sterling*

Everton look to play a vertical style of football built around a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions and direct play to catch the opposition off guard. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence while maintaining enough presence in the center to control the tempo.

A. Ramsdale plays between the posts as the starting goalkeeper. The back line functions as a flat back four. Branthwaite and J. Tarkowski act as the central defenders, with Tarkowski providing aerial strength to win headers and Branthwaite acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks. B. White operates as an overlapping full back on the right to provide extra width, while A. Robinson plays as an attacking wing back on the left to push up the flank. The unit stays compact to deny space between the lines.

In the middle of the pitch, J. Stones acts as a single pivot to shield the defence. He drops deep to receive the ball and helps play out from the back. C. Alcaraz plays as an inverted eight, driving forward with the ball to connect the lines, while A. Doucouré operates in the left half space to press aggressively and win the ball high up the pitch. This three man midfield works to control the central area and recycle possession when the initial attack fails.

The attack features three players across the front. Beto leads the line as a lone striker and works to hold up the ball and fight for second balls. On the flanks, J. Harrison stays wide to provide crosses, while R. Sterling acts as an inverted winger who cuts inside to find shooting positions. The team looks to hit in behind on the transition, using the pace of the forwards to exploit high lines.

Everton gain a significant advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of J. Stones in the pivot allows for numerical superiority in midfield when the full backs push up. This formation also creates wide overloads, allowing B. White and J. Harrison to gang up on the opposition defender.

This 4-3-3 formation is designed to play with high intensity and directness. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and can be caught on the break.