Real Sociedad Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Remiro (Marrero) · Traore (Aramburu) · Zubeldia (Aritz) · JonMa (Pacheco) · Javi Lopez (Aihen) · Bajcetic (Urko) · Partey (Turri / Marin) · Sucic (Brais / Zakha) · Oyarzabal (Oskarsson) · Kubo (Sergio Gomez) · Bryan Zaragoza (Barrene)

Real Sociedad aims to control games through a heavy high press and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on winning the ball high up the pitch to catch the opposition before they can set their defensive block. By using five defenders, the team stays compact and ready to counter at pace.

Remiro stays between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates as a back three with Bajcetic and Zubeldia acting as central defenders to win the header and cover space. JonMa operates as the left centre back, ready to step up into midfield when needed. On the flanks, Traore and Javi Lopez act as attacking wing backs. Traore pushes high to provide width on the right, while Javi Lopez provides similar support on the left, allowing the central trio to stay narrow and defend zonally.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Partey sits deeper to shield the defense and recycle possession, using his physical presence to win the second ball. Sucic plays as the more advanced carrier in the midfield, looking to drive forward with the ball and connect the defense to the attack. This pairing must work hard to compress the midfield and ensure the gaps between the lines do not get exploited by the opponent.

Up front, Real Sociedad uses three attackers to stretch the defense. Oyarzabal acts as the focal point, working to hold up the ball and link up play with the midfielders. On the wings, Kubo and Bryan Zaragoza act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. Kubo uses his dribbling style to beat his man, while Bryan Zaragoza looks to find the feet of the striker or whip it in from wide areas. This front three is tasked to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

This formation offers significant advantages through wide overloads when Traore and Javi Lopez push forward to join the attack. The team also benefits from a high degree of compactness when defending, making it very hard for opponents to play through the middle. The presence of Kubo and Bryan Zaragoza allows the club to isolate wide players in one on one situations during quick transitions.

Real Sociedad employs a heavy pressing game built on a solid foundation of five defenders. This setup is best suited for games against teams that try to play out from the back and leave space behind their midfield.