Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Andariel (95oa 36GK HEI/PRE K) · Estèves (101oa 36CB HEI/ANT*) · Tovey (95oa 37CB REL/ANT*) · Kike (98oa 37RWB FLA/TEA*) · Ogbeta (98oa 37LWB DET/TEA*) · Rosfield (96oa 36AM ANT/DET K) · Nùñez (99oa 37CM DET/TEA*) · Xadas (101oa 37FR COM*) · Dillinja (98oa 37CF DET/GSI K) · Doherty (97oa 37RF GSI*) · Hidalgo (95oa 37LF COM*)

Alavés aims to control the game through high pressing and heavy central occupation. This 2-5-3 formation is built to dominate the middle of the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch. By placing so many players in the central areas, the team tries to create constant pressure and force the opposition into mistakes as they attempt to play out from the back.

Andariel operates as the lone goalkeeper behind a narrow defensive unit. The back line features two central defenders, Estèves and Tovey, who must play a high line to squeeze the space. Estèves acts as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Tovey focuses on covering and winning the header. These two must be very careful to defend zonally and prevent runners from hitting in behind.

The midfield is a five man group that provides the link between the defense and the attack. Rosfield sits in the center to recycle possession and connect the lines. Ogbeta and Kike occupy the roles of central midfielders to shield the defense and win the second ball. On the flanks, Nùñez and Xadas play as wide midfielders to help spread wide and support the attacking movements. This unit can press in a mid-block to force a long ball from the opponent and regain control.

The attack is led by a front three that can attack in combinations. Dillinja works as the lone striker to hold up the ball and link play. Hidalgo and Doherty operate as wide attackers to provide width across the pitch. Doherty and Hidalgo often cut inside to create more central presence or pull wide to allow the midfielders to overlap the winger. This movement is designed to create cutbacks from the byline and deliver early crosses.

A major advantage for Alavés is the numerical superiority in midfield. This allows them to compress the midfield and win many second balls in tight spaces. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. This makes it very hard for the opponent to progress through the thirds or find a passing lane to the attackers.

This formation focuses on aggression and central control to dictate the tempo of the game. It is best suited for situations where the team needs to overwhelm an opponent through high intensity pressing.