Al-Ittihad Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Rajkovič · Luíz Felipe · Sharahili · Fabinho · Bamasud · Al - Sqoor · N' Kante · Aouar · K. Benzema · Jota · Diaby

Al-Ittihad looks to control matches through a compact defensive presence and a reliance on direct transitions using a 5-4-1. This formation is built to sit deep and protect the central areas, waiting for the chance to hit the opposition on the break. The lineup focuses on maintaining a narrow block to deny space between the lines while leaving room for the wing backs to push forward during attacks.

In goal, Rajkovič stays on his line to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates as a five man group where Fabinho sits in the middle as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. Luíz Felipe acts as a covering defender to sweep behind the line, while Sharahili occupies the left side of the central trio. Bamasud plays as a left wing back to provide width and cover the flank, whereas Al - Sqoor acts as a right wing back to drive up the touchline. The defensive unit works to stay close together to force opponents wide.

The midfield functions as a flat four to cover the width of the pitch. N' Kante sits as a single pivot to shield the defence, using his high pressing intensity to win it back high up the pitch. Diaby and Aouar work in the central spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Jota operates on the left of the midfield four to link play and press in a mid-block. This unit aims to win the second ball and immediately look to find the forwards.

Al-Ittihad employs a lone striker in K. Benzema to lead the line. Benzema acts as a target man who can hold up the ball and wait for support. He works to link up play between the lines with the advancing midfielders. The team builds attacks by using the width of Bamasud and Al - Sqoor to stretch the defence. When the ball moves forward, the wingers and midfielders look to make runs in behind to support the striker in transition.

This formation offers Al-Ittihad great compactness when defending in a low block. By keeping the lines close, they make it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. The presence of N' Kante provides a massive advantage in winning possession and starting a quick break. The team also benefits from the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs push up.

The 5-4-1 setup provides a solid foundation for a team that wants to defend deep and strike quickly. It is best suited for facing high pressing opponents where Al-Ittihad can exploit the space left behind their high line.