Athletic Football Formation

Starting Lineup

UNAI SIMON · LAPORTE · BERCHICHE · ADURIZ · NICO WILLIAMS · MUNIAIN · SUSAETA · JAVI MARTINEZ · IRAOLA · ANDER HERRERA · ITURRASPE

Athletic aims to play a direct and high tempo game through a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball and quickly hitting the opposition in transition to catch their defense off guard. The team looks to stretch the pitch vertically and horizontally to create scoring chances.

Unai Simon stands between the posts to organize the back line. Athletic utilizes a flat back four with Berchiche at left back and Iraola at right back. Javi Martinez and Laporte act as the central defenders, where Laporte uses his passing range to build from the back while Javi Martinez provides aerial strength and covers the space behind. Berchiche and Iraola push high to provide width, though they must track back quickly to maintain a compact defensive block.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide a screen for the defense. Ander Herrera and Iturraspe work to protect the center of the pitch. Ander Herrera acts as a carrier to move the ball from deep, while Iturraspe focuses on winning the second ball and breaking up play. This pairing links the defensive unit to the front four, ensuring the team does not lose control when they lose possession in the final third.

The attacking unit is split into two banks of two to maximize pressure. Nico Williams and Susaeta operate as wide wingers, with Nico Williams using his explosive dribbling to beat defenders on the flank. In the center, Muniain plays as a second striker in the hole to connect the midfield to the attack. Aduriz serves as the target man, holding up the ball to allow the others to arrive late into the box or run in behind. This front four is designed to press the opposition back line and force long balls.

Athletic gains a significant advantage through their speed of transition and the ability to isolate wide players in one on one situations. The presence of Aduriz allows for direct play, while the movement of Muniain creates numerical superiority in the attacking third. By pushing the wingers high, the team creates wide overloads that force the opposition to pull defenders out of position.

This 4-2-4 formation is built for aggressive, high pressing football. It is most effective against teams that struggle to play out from the back or fail to track runners in the channels.