Besiktas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kaleci /Mert · Paulista · Sancho · H.Wilson · David Jurasek · Kyle Walker-Peters · Emirhan · R.Silva · Mykola Shaparenko · Frank Anguissa · Tamy Abraham

Besiktas focuses on a heavy defensive block and rapid transitions, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to absorb pressure before hitting teams on the break. The team looks to sit deep and wait for the right moment to launch long balls or quick passes toward the front three.

Mert stays between the posts to organize the backline. The defensive unit operates as a back five, with Frank Anguissa and Paulista acting as the central pillars. Paulista provides strength in the air and covers the space behind the midfielders, while Emirhan acts as a left-sided center back to step up and intercept passes. David Jurasek plays as a left wing back to provide width, while Kyle Walker-Peters operates on the right to cover the flank and push up the pitch. This unit functions to hold a compact shape and protect the middle of the pitch.

The midfield is a double pivot consisting of R.Silva and Mykola Shaparenko. R.Silva acts as the primary carrier to drive the ball forward, while Mykola Shaparenko works to connect the defensive line to the attack. They must stay close together to prevent the opposition from playing through the middle. This pairing is tasked to win the second ball and quickly find the wide players or the striker once the ball is recovered. They do not push too high, ensuring they can track back to help the wing backs.

In the attacking phase, Besiktas uses three attackers across the front. Tamy Abraham acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and win headers. Sancho plays as a left winger who likes to cut inside to create goal chances, while H.Wilson stays wide on the right to stretch the defence. The movement of the front three is designed to create runs in behind. Sancho and H.Wilson often look to receive the ball in space to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

One major advantage for Besiktas is the ability to win the second ball in a crowded midfield. The wide overloads from David Jurasek and Kyle Walker-Peters allow the team to spread wide quickly during transitions. Additionally, the presence of Paulista and Frank Anguissa provides great aerial strength to defend crosses. This makes the team very hard to break down when they sit deep in a low block.

The 5-2-3 formation allows Besiktas to stay defensively solid while remaining a threat on the counter. This lineup is best suited for matches against teams that hold a lot of possession and leave space behind their high line.