Athletic Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 - Simon (13 - Padilla)
19 - Areso (2 - Gorosabel)
14 - Laporte (4 - Paredes)
3 - Vivian (23 - Azpilicueta)
17 - Yuri (25 - Boiro)
16 - Galarreta (6 - Vesga)
18 - Jauregizar (24 - Prados / 26 - Rego)
8 - Sancet (11 - Robert Navarro)
9 - Iñaki Williams (22 - Serrano / 25 - Izeta)
10 - Nico Williams (7 - Berenguer)
21 - Sannadi (12 - Guruzeta)

Athletic focuses on a high press and verticality through a 4-3-3 formation. The lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move the play forward quickly to exploit spaces behind the opposition defense. This system relies on energy and directness to unsettle opponents.

Simon operates between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit sits as a flat back four with Yuri and Areso providing width. Vivian acts as a ball playing defender who can carry the ball forward, while Laporte provides cover and uses his aerial strength to win the header in defensive duels. The full backs are expected to push high to support the attack, but they must track back quickly to maintain the defensive block.

The midfield consists of a three man midfield with a carrier role. Jauregizar works to shield the defense and win the second ball, while Galarreta looks to receive on the half-turn and recycle possession to find attackers. Sancet plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, often finding pockets of space to play through the lines. This midfield unit connects the defense to the attack by moving the ball quickly from the deep areas to the front three.

Athletic employs three attackers across the front. Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams act as inverted wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal, using their immense pace to hit in behind on the transition. Sannadi acts as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and fight for long balls. The wingers often pull wide to stretch the defense before driving into the box, creating opportunities for Sannadi to find the feet of the striker or for late runs from Sancet.

One major strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The speed of transition allows Athletic to break quickly once the ball is won in the middle third. Additionally, the presence of Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams creates a constant threat to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This 4-3-3 formation is built for high intensity and rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for matches against opponents that play a high defensive line and struggle with speed.