Athletic Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Unai Simón · Yuri · Vivian · Laporte · Areso · Jauregizar · De Galarreta · Sancet · N. Williams · I. Williams · Guruzeta

Athletic plays with high pressing and verticality in a 4-3-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the opposition with speed. The team looks to progress through the thirds via direct passing and rapid transitions.

Unai Simón stays between the posts to organize the back line. The team uses a high line with a flat back four. Areso and Yuri act as attacking wing backs to provide width and overlap the wingers. In the center, Vivian and Laporte operate as the primary defenders. Vivian uses his aerial strength to win headers and covers space well. Laporte is a ball playing defender who can play out from the back to break the line. Defending zonally, the unit works to keep the team compact.

The midfield consists of a three man unit to control the center of the pitch. De Galarreta and Jauregizar operate in the deeper areas to shield the defense and recycle possession. De Galarreta works to create from deep and can switch play to the wide areas. Jauregizar plays to win the second ball and presses hard to disrupt the opposition. Sancet plays in the advanced role to connect the lines and arrives late into the box. He is able to carry the ball forward to support the attack.

Up in the attacking third, Guruzeta acts as the lone striker. He works as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender. I. Williams and N. Williams occupy the wide areas as wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal. I. Williams uses his pace to knock it in behind the defense. N. Williams looks to receive on the half turn and play through the lines. Using combinations, the forwards stretch the defense and use the width provided by the full backs to deliver crosses.

One major advantage for Athletic is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. When the front three and Sancet trigger a press, the team can win it back high up the pitch. Another strength is the wide overloads created when Areso and Yuri push up the flanks. This allows the team to whip it in toward the far post or find the feet of Guruzeta in tight spaces.

This 4-3-3 formation is built for high intensity and direct attacking play. It is best suited for games against opponents that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.