Como Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Como aims to dominate the ball and control the tempo of the game through a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to play with high intensity and a heavy emphasis on ball retention in the middle third. By pushing many bodies forward, the team seeks to suffocate the opponent and maintain constant pressure in the final third.

Butez starts between the posts to oversee the defensive line. In front of him, Dossena and Engelhardt act as the two central defenders in a narrow back two. They must stay very disciplined to cover the wide areas when the midfield pushes up. Dossena is expected to act as a ball playing defender to initiate play from the back, while Engelhardt provides the physical presence to win the second ball. Because the defensive line is so thin, they often have to step up to set the offside trap or drop back to cover long balls.

The midfield is the engine of Como, operating as a five man unit that provides massive density. Moreno and Braunöder form a double pivot to shield the two defenders and recycle possession. Caqueret and Perrone play as two inverted eight players in the half spaces, looking to drive forward with the ball or find pockets of space between the lines. Paz operates as an attacking ten behind the striker, acting as the primary creator to play through the lines. This heavy midfield block allows the team to win the ball back high up the pitch and quickly move it into attacking positions.

The attacking front three is designed to stretch the opposition. Da Cunha plays as a wide winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chaos, while Strefezza occupies the right wing to provide width or whip it in from deep. Diao acts as the lone striker and a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line. The movement of the wingers is intended to create space for Paz to arrive late into the box or for the wide midfielders to make runs in behind. The team relies on quick combinations in tight spaces to break down compact blocks.

One major advantage of this formation is the overwhelming numerical superiority in midfield. By packing the central areas, Como can easily control the rhythm and deny the pivot of the opposition. The setup also allows for the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for teams to build out from the back. If the opposition tries to play wide, the midfield players can quickly shift to double up on attackers.

Como utilizes a high risk high reward system that thrives on controlling the center of the park. This formation is best suited for games against teams that sit deep and allow the midfield to dictate the play.