Las Palmas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Cillessen (Horkas) · McKenna (Pelmard) · Álex Suárez (Herzog) · Viti (Marvin) · Mika Mármol (Álex Muñoz) · Bajcetic (Loiodice) · Essugo (Campaña) · Javi Muñoz (Kirian) · Fábio Silva (Sandro/Januzaj) · Moleiro (Fuster/Benito) · McBurnie (Mata/Cardona)

Las Palmas relies on a solid defensive base and quick transitions in their 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit in a mid-block, absorb pressure, and then hit the opposition on the break. By using a back five, the team aims to be hard to break down while leaving space behind the opponent for their quick attackers to exploit.

Cillessen stands between the posts to organize the defensive line and sweep up long balls. The back five consists of Bajcetic, McKenna, and Álex Suárez in the center, while Viti and Mika Mármol operate as the wing backs. Bajcetic and McKenna act as the central pillars, staying deep to protect the space, whereas Álex Suárez provides cover for the wider areas. Viti and Mika Mármol are expected to cover the entire flank, acting as extra defenders when the team sits deep and pushing up to provide width when possession is won. This unit aims to stay compact to deny any space between the lines.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Essugo and Javi Muñoz act as the two central engines, tasked with shielding the defense and winning the second ball. Essugo focuses on breaking up play and intercepting passes, while Javi Muñoz helps to carry the ball forward to connect the defense with the front three. They must work hard to press in a mid-block and ensure they do not get bypassed by vertical passes. Their main job is to recycle possession and quickly find the attackers once the ball is won.

Up front, Las Palmas uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. McBurnie operates as the lone striker, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and provide a target for long balls. Moleiro stays wide on the left and looks to cut inside to create chances with his dribbling, while Fábio Silva plays on the right to offer direct runs in behind. The wing backs, Viti and Mika Mármol, provide the width by overlapping the wingers to deliver crosses into the box. This allows the forwards to combine in tight spaces or look for quick transitions to hit the defense before they can settle.

One major advantage for Las Palmas is the defensive compactness offered by the back five, making it very difficult for opponents to find gaps in the central areas. The formation also allows for quick wide overloads when Viti and Mika Mármol push forward to join the wingers. This creates two on one situations on the flanks, helping the team to move the ball up the pitch more effectively. Additionally, the presence of McBurnie allows the team to play more direct when under pressure, ensuring they can move from defense to attack in seconds.

This 5-2-3 formation provides Las Palmas with a reliable defensive foundation and a platform for rapid counter attacks. It is a lineup best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and leave large spaces behind their high defensive line.