Deportivo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Quagliata · Loureiro · Comas · Noubi · Gragera · Villarres · M. Soriano · Y. Hernández · Mella · Eddahchouri · Bachmann

Aggressive and vertical, Deportivo aims to dominate the ball and win it back high up the pitch using a 2-5-3. This lineup is built to play a high pressing game that constantly puts pressure on the opponent. By pushing the defensive line forward, the team looks to squeeze the space and force mistakes in the final third of the opposition.

Bachmann operates as the lone goalkeeper behind a very high defensive line. Comas and Noubi form the central pair, tasked with being able to step up and intercept passes or sweep behind the line. Because the lineup only uses two central defenders, they must be extremely quick to cover the wide areas when the midfield pushes forward. They need to be dominant in the air to clear the lines when the opposition tries to go direct.

The midfield is the heart of the formation, utilizing a five man unit to control the center. Quagliata and Loureiro act as a double pivot, where one can shield the defense while the other looks to carry the ball forward. Gragera and Villarres operate in the half spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Gragera works to win the second ball in tight spaces while Villarres tries to play through the lines. M. Soriano plays as an attacking ten, finding pockets of space to create chances or arrive late into the box.

The attacking unit consists of three players working to stretch the defense. Y. Hernández plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create, while Mella stays wide on the right to spread the play. Eddahchouri operates as a lone striker, working to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. This front line is designed to create runs in behind and allow for quick combinations in transition.

A major strength of this Deportivo lineup is the numerical superiority in the midfield. Having five players in the middle allows the team to recycle possession easily and keep the ball away from the opponent. The team is also capable of pressing in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press that pulls the opposition into mistakes.

The 2-5-3 is a high intensity formation built for aggressive, vertical football. It is most effective when facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.