Tanjong Pagar Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Matt Silva (Canada, captain) · Timur Talipov (Uzbekistan) · Syed Akmal · Faizal Roslan · Stefan Paunovic (Serbia) · Rezza Rezky Ramadhani · Tomoki Wada (Japan) · Zenivio (Timor Leste) · Shodai Nishikawa (Japan) · Salif Cisse (France) · Raihan Rahman (captain)

Tanjong Pagar focuses on a direct and vertical style of football with a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions and wide presence to stretch the opposition. The team wants to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward through the lines as fast as possible to catch the opponent off guard.

Matt Silva operates between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit functions with a back three, where Faizal Roslan acts as the central anchor. To his sides, Timur Talipov and Syed Akmal provide the width needed in a back three system. Timur Talipov and Syed Akmal cover the space when the midfielders push up, while Faizal Roslan stays central to win headers and clear the lines. This unit can shift to a narrow defensive block when the team sits deep to protect the middle.

The midfield is built around a central trio that manages the tempo and connects the defence to the attack. Raihan Rahman acts as the single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Stefan Paunovic and Rezza Rezky Ramadhani operate as two eightes to drive forward with the ball and win the second ball in the middle. Tomoki Wada plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space to create chances. This midfield group works to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

Tanjong Pagar uses three attackers to pin the last defender and create constant threat. Salif Cisse plays as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and link up with the advancing midfielders. On the flanks, Shodai Nishikawa and Zenivio act as wide wingers who stay high to stretch the defence. Shodai Nishikawa and Zenivio often look to isolate defenders in one on one situations or receive the ball to deliver a cross. The attack is designed to create runs in behind by using the width provided by the wingers to pull the opposition wide.

This 3-4-3 formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of Tomoki Wada and the wingers allows the team to win it back high up the pitch. Tanjong Pagar also benefits from wide overloads when the midfield players push into the half spaces to support the wingers. This creates space for Zenivio and Shodai Nishikawa to operate effectively.

This lineup is a heavy pressing system that thrives on breaking quickly during transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.