Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sivera (Owono) · Abqar (Garcés/Pica) · Mouriño (Sedlar) · Manu Sánchez (Diarra) · Tenaglia (Novoa) · Jordán (Guevara) · Blanco (Benavidez) · Aleña (Guridi) · Kike García (Villalibre) · Carlos Marín (Toni Martínez/Conechny) · Carlos Vicente (Cabanes)

Alavés looks to play a vertical game that focuses on heavy pressure and quick attacks. This 4-2-4 formation is built to overwhelm the opposition in the final third and force turnovers high up the pitch. By using four dedicated attackers, the team seeks to stretch the defence and create scoring chances through direct play.

Sivera acts as the last line of defence in goal. The defensive unit operates with a flat back four, where Tenaglia holds the right side and Manu Sánchez covers the left. In the center, Abqar and Mouriño must work together to defend zonally and win the second ball. They need to be ready to step up to set the offside trap or drop back to cover space when the team plays a high line.

The midfield functions as a double pivot consisting of Blanco and Jordán. These two players must work hard to shield the defence and prevent the opposition from playing through the center. Blanco often looks to recycle possession and find the feet of the attackers, while Jordán works to carry the ball forward to link the defensive line to the front line. They act as the connection that allows the team to move from a mid-block to an attacking phase.

Up front, the team employs four attackers to pin the opponent back. Carlos Vicente operates on the right wing to provide width, while Carlos Marín stays wide on the left. In the center, Kike García and Aleña work as a strike partnership. Kike García uses his physical presence to hold up the ball and acts as a pressing centre-forward to win the ball high. Aleña looks to find space between the lines to play through the lines and split the defence with a through ball. This lineup uses the wingers to stretch the defence, creating space for the central duo to run in behind.

One major advantage for Alavés is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs join the attack. By pushing Tenaglia and Manu Sánchez forward, the team can isolate Carlos Vicente and Carlos Marín in one on one situations. Another strength is the speed of transition, as the double pivot can quickly find the front four to hit in behind on the transition.

This formation is ideal for a side that wants to play with high intensity and directness. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and can be caught out by quick vertical passes.