Real Sociedad Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Remiro · Traore · Jon Martin · Zubeldia · Sergio Gomez · Gorrotxa (Urko) · Sucic · Brais · Oskarsson · Take · Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad relies on a high press to disrupt opponents and uses a 5-2-3 formation to launch quick attacks. This lineup is built to play vertical football that punishes mistakes in the middle third. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and break quickly to catch the opposition out of position.

Remiro operates as the goalkeeper to play out from the back and distribute to the defenders. The defensive unit consists of a back five where Gorrotcha sits in the center to win the header and clear the lines. Zubeldia and Jon Martin play as the wide centre backs to cover the space and pick up runners. Sergio Gomez acts as the left wing back to push up and provide width, while Traore functions as the right wing back to overlap the winger. This defensive unit works to stay compact and protect the central zones.

In the middle of the pitch, the team utilizes a double pivot to control the tempo. Brais acts as a primary ball carrier with a wide passing range to drive forward and link the defence to the attack. Sucic plays in the midfield pairing to help recycle possession and press in a mid block. These two must work together to win the second ball and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

The attacking unit features three players across the front to stretch the defence. Oskarsson plays as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Oyarzabal operates as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create chances, using his high pressing intensity and passing range. Take plays on the right wing to isolate defenders in one on one situations. The team attacks in combinations to create runs in behind and cutbacks from the byline.

A major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Sergio Gomez and Traore. The presence of three attackers allows Real Sociedad to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball. This formation also provides compactness when defending in a mid block to deny the turn of opposing midfielders.

This 5-2-3 formation is defined by its high pressing and ability to transition at pace. It is best suited for facing teams that try to build play from the back and leave space behind their defensive line.