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Monaco Football Formation

Creation DateFebruary 28, 2025

Starting Lineup

Köhn · Vanderson · Singo · Kehrer · C.Henrique · Al-Musrati · Zakaria · Camara · Akliouche · Biereth · Ben Seghir

Monaco plays with a direct and vertical identity using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the opposition. The team aims to hit teams on the transition by utilizing fast runners and wide players who can exploit space behind the defensive line.

Köhn stands between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates as a back five where Al-Musrati sits in the center of the line to act as a dominant presence in the air and sweep behind the other defenders. Kehrer plays as the left centre-back to cover space while Singo occupies the right centre-back role. Vanderson acts as an attacking wing back on the right to push high and provide width, while C.Henrique plays as the left wing back to overlap and support the attack. This unit works to maintain a compact block when the team sits deep.

The midfield consists of a double pivot tasked with controlling the center of the pitch. Zakaria acts as the primary engine to press aggressively and win the ball high up the pitch, while Camara provides balance to connect the defense to the attack. Zakaria uses his energy to disrupt play, and Camara helps to recycle possession so the team can move forward. These two players must work together to protect the space in front of the back five and ensure they are not bypassed through the middle.

In the final third, Monaco uses three attackers to pin the opposition back line. Biereth operates as a pressing centre-forward to harass defenders and hold up the ball for others. On the flanks, Akliouche plays as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside and create chances, while Ben Seghir plays as an inverted winger on the left to drive at the defense. These attackers move in combinations to create runs in behind or allow for cutbacks from the byline. The goal is to isolate wide players in one on one situations once the ball reaches the final third.

One major advantage for Monaco is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Vanderson and C.Henrique. The formation also offers great compactness when defending in a mid-block, making it difficult for opponents to find gaps. The speed of transition allows the team to move from a defensive stance to an attacking one very quickly once Zakaria or Camara win the ball.

This 5-2-3 formation relies on high energy and rapid movement to punish opponents. It is best suited for games where the team needs to sit in a mid-block and strike quickly on the break.