Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

JANCARLOS · DANILO · DURVAL · MARCÃO · COCITO · ALAN BAHIA · FERNANDINHO · FABRÍCIO · LIMA · ALOÍSIO · DIEGO

Athlético Paranaense looks to play a direct and reactive style of football using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup relies on defensive compactness and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The focus for Athlético Paranaense is to stay hard to beat and use the width of the pitch through wing backs to stretch the opposition.

Diego guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back line functions as a narrow defensive block consisting of three central defenders. Cocito sits in the middle of the trio, while Durval and Danilo occupy the left and right sides of the central unit. Durval and Danilo provide the necessary cover when the team plays a high line, while Cocito acts as the main presence to win the header in the box. The wing backs, Jancarlos and Marcão, are tasked to provide width and act as attacking wing backs. They must track back quickly to help the defenders and form a five man line when the team sits deep to deny the turn to attackers.

In the middle of the pitch, the team uses a three man midfield with a carrier. Fernandinho sits in the center to shield the defence and connect the defensive and attacking lines. He works to win the second ball and recycle possession to keep the team organized. Alan Bahia and Fabrício operate as the two more advanced midfielders. Alan Bahia works to drive forward with the ball into the half spaces, while Fabrício looks to arrive late into the box to add an extra threat. This midfield group works to squeeze the space in a mid block to force a long ball from the opponent.

The attacking unit relies on two forwards in a partnership. Aloísio and Lima work together to lead the press from the front. Aloísio acts as a presence to hold up the ball and link up play between the lines, allowing the midfielders to move up the pitch. Lima looks to make runs in behind the opposition defence to exploit the space left behind. When the team wins the ball, they look to hit in behind on the transition by finding the feet of the striker or playing a through ball. The wing backs, Jancarlos and Marcão, often overlap the winger to provide crosses from wide areas.

One major advantage is the ability to maintain compactness when defending, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. The formation also offers the flexibility to create wide overloads when the wing backs push high up the pitch. By having three central midfielders and three central defenders, the team can easily win the second ball and control the central areas of the pitch.

This formation is built to stay solid and hit teams on the break. It is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their defensive line.