CSKA Moscow Football Formation

Starting Lineup

BEREZUTKSI · IGNASHEVICH · BEREZUTSKI · ODIAH · ALDONIN · RAHIMIC · ZHIRKOV · D. CARVALHO · V. LOVE · OLIC · AKINFEEV

CSKA Moscow aims to be a defensively solid unit that relies on quick transitions to hurt opponents. This identity is built around a 5-3-2 formation. The team looks to sit deep when out of possession and then use direct passing to find the forwards once the ball is won back.

Akinfeev guards the goal and acts as the last line of defence. The back line operates as a narrow defensive block consisting of three central defenders. Aldonin sits in the middle of this trio while Berezutski and Ignashevich provide cover on either side. The wing backs, Zhirkov and Berezutski, are tasked with providing width and must track back to form a five man line when the team sits deep. Ignashevich is known for his aerial strength and leadership, while the defensive unit works together to squeeze the space between the lines.

The midfield functions as a three man midfield with a carrier. Odiah and Rahimic operate in the central areas to protect the back three and win the second ball. They work to shield the defence and allow the team to stay compact. D. Carvalho plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, acting as the link between the midfield and the front two. He is responsible for receiving the ball in the hole and looking to play through the lines to start an attack.

CSKA Moscow uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Olic and V. Love work together to stretch the defence. Olic often acts as a pressing centre forward to force long balls from the opposition, while V. Love focuses on link up play between the lines. The team builds attacks by finding the wing backs to spread wide or by playing direct to the strikers. This movement is designed to create runs in behind and allow the forwards to run into space when the opposition is stretched.

One major advantage for CSKA Moscow is the compactness when defending in a low block. The narrowness of the five man line makes it hard for opponents to play through the middle. Another strength is the ability to use the wing backs to create wide overloads once the team wins the ball back. The presence of experienced players in the heart of the defence allows the team to remain calm when under pressure.

This formation is built to absorb pressure and strike on the break. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their defensive line.