SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

N.Otamendi (C) · A.Silva · T.Araujo · S.Dahl · A.Trubin · Florentino · O.Kökçü · F.Aursnes · K.Aktürkoğlu · E.Pavlidis · A.Schjelderup

SL Benfica aim to control games through heavy possession and a high press using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the ball in the middle third and use wide areas to stretch the opposition. The goal is to maintain high intensity to win it back high up the pitch and keep the opponent pinned in their own half.

A.Trubin stands between the posts to manage the defensive line. The back four functions as a high line with N.Otamendi (C) acting as the leader of the unit. As a ball playing defender, N.Otamendi (C) looks to play out from the back to start attacks. A.Silva joins him to provide aerial strength and cover. On the flanks, S.Dahl and T.Araujo act as attacking wing backs to provide width. They push high to overlap the wingers while the central defenders stay deep to sweep behind the high line.

The midfield operates with a single pivot to protect the back four. Florentino sits in front of the defence to shield the back line and intercept passes. Beside him, O.Kökçü and F.Aursnes work as two inverted eights. O.Kökçü drives forward with the ball and looks to play through the lines with his passing range. F.Aursnes connects the defensive and attacking lines, often making late runs into the box. This three man midfield works to recycle possession and press in a mid block when the ball is lost.

The attacking front line features three attackers designed to create constant pressure. E.Pavlidis plays as a pressing centre-forward who works to pin the last defender and hold up the ball. A.Schjelderup and K.Aktürkoğlu act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create central overloads. They look to isolate a one on one wide or deliver early crosses into the box. This combination allows SL Benfica to attack in combinations, using the movement of the wingers to create space for E.Pavlidis to find the feet of the striker.

A major tactical advantage for this Benfica lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. When the forwards trigger a press, the midfield quickly steps up to squeeze the space. Another strength is the wide overloads created when T.Araujo and S.Dahl push forward to support the wingers. This forces the opposition to defend deep and creates gaps in the half spaces for O.Kökçü to exploit.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on high intensity and ball control to dictate the tempo. It is best suited for matches against teams that sit deep and require constant pressure to break them down.