Como Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Aggressive ball control and high-intensity pressure define the way Como play, as they operate with a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the center of the pitch and squeeze the opposition into their own half. By committing many players to the midfield, the team seeks to control the tempo and prevent the opponent from building play.

Butez acts as the goalkeeper within this high-risk lineup. The defensive unit relies on a narrow back two consisting of Engelhardt and Dossena. These two center-backs must play a high line to keep the team compact and are tasked with stepping into midfield or sweeping behind the line when needed. Because the lineup only uses two defenders, Engelhardt and Dossena must be dominant in the air and capable of winning the second ball quickly. They must also be ready to track back and cover wide spaces if the midfield is bypassed.

The midfield contains a heavy presence to ensure control over the center. Valle and Van der Brempt form a double pivot that sits in front of the defense to shield the two center-backs. Ahead of them, Perrone and Caqueret operate as two eights who drive forward with the ball to link the play. Caqueret uses his high pressing intensity to win it back high up the pitch and disrupt the opponent. Paz plays as an attacking ten in the hole, acting as the creative hub to play through the lines and find the forwards.

In the attacking phase, Como utilizes a front three to stretch the defense. Morata acts as the lone striker, using his movement to pin the last defender and his aerial strength to win headers in the box. Baturina and Kühn operate as wide attackers, with both players looking to cut inside to create central overloads. The team builds play by using the wide attackers to spread wide and then finding the feet of the striker or whipping it in from the flanks. This allows Morata to attack the near post or far post depending on the cross.

The main advantage of this formation is the massive numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch. This density allows the team to press in coordinated waves and squeeze the space between the lines. Additionally, the presence of Paz behind the front three allows the team to split the defense with a through ball or exploit gaps when players arrive late into the box.

This 2-5-3 formation is built for teams that want to dictate play through midfield dominance and heavy pressure. It is most effective against opponents who struggle to play out from the back or lack the ability to counter at pace in wide areas.