MC Oran Football Formation

Starting Lineup

10 (Belaili)
4 (Madani)
2 (Halaimia)
6 (Benkhamessa)
3 (Baouche)
8 (Tabti)
11 (Belkheir)
5 (Kerroum)
7 (Fathellah Tahar)
9 (Bounedjah)
1 (Aggoune)

Aiming for a high press and quick transition, MC Oran utilizes a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a vertical style of football that looks to break quickly once the ball is won. The team aims to win it back high up the pitch to catch the opponent out of position and progress through the thirds.

In goal, 1 acts as the keeper. The defensive unit works as a back five with 6 holding the center to win the header and clear the lines. 4 plays as the left centre back to cover the space while 5 acts as the right centre back. To provide width, 3 acts as the left wing back and 2 functions as the right wing back. When the team sits deep, 4, 5, and 6 form a narrow defensive block to protect the middle. 3 and 2 are tasked to push up the pitch to support the attack.

The midfield consists of a two man unit with 7 and 8. These two players must cover the ground between the back five and the front three. 7 and 8 often drop between the centre backs to receive the ball and play short from the back. They are responsible to win the second ball and recycle possession to move the team forward. 7 and 8 also have to track back and defend zonally to help the wing backs when the ball is lost.

Up front, the attack uses three players to stretch the defence. 9 operates as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of the runners. 10 plays on the left wing to cut inside and create chances. 11 operates on the right wing to provide width or look to hit in behind on the transition. The wingers 10 and 11 look to exploit the space when the team breaks quickly. The goal is to use the width from 2 and 3 to whip it in for 9 to attack the near post.

MC Oran finds success through the ability to hold a compact block. The five defenders make it hard for opponents to play through the lines or find gaps. Another advantage is the speed of transition when 2 and 3 carry the ball forward. This creates wide overloads that allow 10 and 11 to isolate defenders in one on one situations after a quick switch play.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a solid base for a team that wants to win it back high up the pitch. It is best suited for facing teams that push high and leave space behind their back line.