Morocco National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Morocco relies on a high press and verticality to dominate games using a 3-4-3. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and attack quickly to catch the opposition out of position. By playing a direct style, the team looks to move the ball from the defensive third into the attacking third with speed and purpose.

Zaki operates in goal to command the area and clear the lines when needed. The back line consists of a back three with Naybet acting as the central anchor, using his aerial strength to win the header and organize the defensive unit. Hakimi plays as the left centre-back, using his speed to step into midfield and carry the ball forward. Dolmy occupies the right centre-back spot to cover the space and defend zonally against wide threats.

The midfield functions as a diamond to control the center of the pitch. Mahjoub sits as a single pivot to shield the defense and deny the pivot of the opponent. Ben Barek and Timoumi play in the half-spaces, looking to receive on the half-turn and progress through the thirds. M. Hadji operates as an attacking ten, looking to find the feet of the striker and arrive late into the box. This diamond helps Morocco to compress the midfield and win the second ball when the press is triggered.

Up front, the team uses three attackers to stretch the defence. Faras acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and link play. Ziyech plays as an inverted winger on the right, using his passing range to cut inside and deliver early balls into the area. Bouderbala stays wide on the left to pull wide and stretch the opposition. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball and win it back high up the pitch.

The formation offers significant advantages in central areas. By using a diamond, Morocco creates numerical superiority in the middle to control possession and play through the lines. The presence of Hakimi and the wide attackers allows for wide overloads when the team can overlap the winger. This formation also provides the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back.

This 3-4-3 formation provides a potent attacking threat while maintaining central control. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play through a compact midfield.