Al-Ittihad Football Formation

Starting Lineup

P. Rajkovic · M. Shanqeeti · J. C. SIMIC · D. Pereira · M. Mitaj · Fabinho · M. DOUMBIA · H. Aouar · M. Diaby · S. Bergwijn · K. Benzema

Al-Ittihad aims to control the game through a compact defensive block and quick transitions, utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup focuses on staying hard to beat in the middle of the pitch while waiting for the right moment to hit the opposition. By sitting in a narrow defensive block, the team looks to congest the central areas and force play toward the flanks.

P. Rajkovic stands between the posts to command the area. The defensive unit works as a back five with Fabinho acting as the central anchor to win the second ball and organize the line. J. C. Simic operates as the right centre back to cover the space behind the wing back, while D. Pereira holds the left side. The wide defenders, M. Shanqeeti as the right wing back and M. Mitaj as the left wing back, provide the necessary width when the team wins the ball. They must track back quickly to maintain a flat line when defending deep.

The midfield works in a flat four to protect the central zone. M. Doumbia sits as the single pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. Beside him, H. Aouar and S. Bergwijn act as central midfielders who connect the defensive and attacking lines by recycling possession. M. Diaby plays as the right central midfielder to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces. This midfield unit is tasked to press in a mid-block to force the opponent into mistakes.

In the final third, the team relies on a lone striker, K. Benzema, to lead the line. Benzema is known for his technical ability and hold up the ball to bring others into play. He acts as a focal point to receive long balls and lay it off for the advancing midfielders. The wing backs, M. Shanqeeti and M. Mitaj, push up high to provide width, allowing the midfielders to find space in the pockets. The attack moves from a defensive stance into a rapid vertical thrust to catch the opponent out of position.

Al-Ittihad gains a significant advantage through their ability to maintain compactness when defending deep. This prevents opponents from playing through the lines easily. The formation also allows for wide overloads when the wing backs overlap the midfielders during transitions. By having a strong central presence with Fabinho and M. Doumbia, the team can quickly switch play to the wide areas once the ball is recovered.

This 5-4-1 formation is built to be defensively solid and lethal on the break. It is best suited for matches against dominant teams where Al-Ittihad needs to sit deep and counter at pace.