LAFC Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

LLORIS · PALENCIA · LONG · SEGURA · HOLLINGSHEAD · TILLMAN (MARLON) · I. JESUS (F. AMAYA) · M. DELGADO (YEBOAH) · ORDAZ (D. MARTÍNEZ .M) · EBOBISSE (GIROUD) · BOUANGA

LAFC looks to play a vertical style of football, prioritizing rapid transitions over long periods of control, through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to strike quickly once the ball is won, using the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition. By utilizing a wide front three, the team aims to force the opponent to cover large areas of the field.

LLORIS operates between the posts, using his sweeping ability to cover the high line used by the defenders. The defensive unit consists of a back three with I. JESUS, SEGURA, and LONG, where I. JESUS acts as the central anchor to hold the line. PALENCIA and HOLLINGSHEAD push up as attacking wing backs to provide width, while the central trio defends zonally to prevent through balls. The whole unit works to squeeze the space in front of them to prevent the opposition from turning.

A double pivot sits in the middle of the pitch, consisting of TILLMAN and M. DELGADO. TILLMAN uses his passing range to drive into the half-spaces, while M. DELGADO stays deeper to shield the defense and win the second ball. This pairing acts as the link between the defensive unit and the attacking line. They must work to pick up runners and ensure the team can quickly recycle possession when moving through the thirds.

The attacking unit features EBOBISSE as a lone striker who looks to hold up the ball and link up play. BOUANGA and ORDAZ play as wide attackers, with BOUANGA using his dribbling to cut inside to create chances. This formation creates many runs in behind as the wing backs overlap the winger to provide crosses. The forwards work to press the opposition back line, aiming to hit in behind on the transition to exploit any gaps left by a high defensive line.

The tactical advantages of this LAFC formation include the ability to create wide overloads from overlapping full backs. By having PALENCIA and HOLLINGSHEAD push high, the team creates numerical superiority on the flanks. Furthermore, the speed of transition allows the front three to attack the opposition before they can get into a compact formation.

This 5-2-3 formation is a tool for teams that want to punish opponents on the break. It is most effective against sides that play a very high line and leave space behind their defenders.