Besiktas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Mert Günok · Gabriel Paulista · Felix Uduokhai · Rıdvan Yılmaz · Orkun Kökçü · Wilfred Ndidi · Rafa Silva · Tony Abraham · Tiago Djalo · Taylan Bulut · El Bilal Toure

Besiktas aims to control the tempo through high intensity and heavy ball circulation using a 3-6-1 formation. This lineup seeks to dominate the middle of the pitch to create constant pressure on the opponent. The team works to win it back high up the pitch to keep the play in the final third.

Mert Günok stands between the posts to command the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back three with Gabriel Paulista acting as the central anchor to manage the line and win headers. To his left, Felix Uduokhai provides cover while Tiago Djalo acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks. This trio works to stay compact and squeeze the space when the team plays in a mid-block.

In the middle of the pitch, the team utilizes a three man midfield with a carrier to progress the ball. Wilfred Ndidi sits in the pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. Orkun Kökçü and Taylan Bulut operate in the central zones to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Orkun Kökçü uses his passing range to switch play, while Rıdvan Yılmaz pushes from the left to add extra numbers. This heavy midfield presence allows Besiktas to hold possession and recycle possession through the central channels.

The attacking phase relies on the movement of the front line and the creative roles in the half spaces. Rafa Silva plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. El Bilal Toure operates in the right half space to provide width and cross from the wide areas. Tony Abraham acts as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and make runs in behind. The forwards work to link up play between the lines and create combinations to split the defence.

This formation offers significant numerical superiority in midfield to control the game. Besiktas can also use the wide roles of Rafa Silva and El Bilal Toure to create overloads in the final third. The setup is also effective for maintaining compactness when defending by crowding the central zones.

This 3-6-1 lineup is built to overwhelm opponents through central control and high pressing. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession against a side that sits deep.