Alianza Atlético Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Mink (90oa 37CB ANT*) · Portugal (93OA 36CF DET*) · Armstrong (97oa 36LF GSI*) · Taveres (95oa 37RF NOS/GSI*) · Kodro (95oa 37AM DET*) · Alcaraz (97oa 36CM REL) · Ma (95oa 36PL COM*) · Chettle (94oa 36CB ANT*) · Garcia (93oa 36RWB TEA*) · Van Arnholt (96oa 37LWB EXP (C)) · Ballesteros (93oa 38GK REL*)Alianza Atlético favors a defensive identity with a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and wait for the right moment to strike. The team looks to absorb pressure and then use the width of the pitch to hit in behind the opposition. It is a lineup designed for teams that want to control space rather than control the ball.
Ballesteros stays between the posts to lead the defensive unit. The team uses a back five consisting of Kodro as the central defender with Chettle and Mink acting as wide center backs. Van Arnholt and Garcia play as the attacking wing backs to provide width. Chettle and Mink work to cover the space behind the wing backs while Kodro stays central to win the header and clear the lines. The unit stays compact to deny the turn to attackers.
The midfield operates as a double pivot with Alcaraz and Ma sitting in front of the defensive line. Alcaraz and Ma work to protect the center and win the second ball. One of them needs to drop between the center backs to receive the ball when playing out from the back. The pair must press in a mid-block to disrupt the opposition before they can progress through the thirds. They act as the bridge to move the ball from the defense to the front three.
Up front, Alianza Atlético uses three attackers to stretch the defense. Portugal acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Armstrong and Taveres occupy the wide areas as wingers. Armstrong can cut inside to create space for Van Arnholt to overlap. Taveres looks to get to the byline and deliver early crosses for Portugal to attack the far post. This front line focuses on runs in behind and quick combinations to exploit gaps.
This formation offers great compactness when defending. The presence of Kodro, Chettle, and Mink makes it very hard for opponents to find space in the box. Another strength is the ability to use the wing backs to create wide overloads. When Garcia and Van Arnholt push up, they create situations where the wingers can move inside. This forces the opposition to choose between marking the central players or covering the wide areas.
The 5-2-3 formation provides Alianza Atlético with a reliable way to defend deep and counter at pace. It is a lineup best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their defense.