SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Vangelis Pavlidis · Franjo Ivanovic (H. Araújo) · Sudakov (J. Rego) · Richard Ríos (D. Prioste / J. Veloso) · Fredrik Aursnes (L. Barreiro) · Enzo Barrenechea (Manu / N. Fèlix) · Dedic (Bah / L. Santos) · Antonio Silva (Tomàs Araújo) · Otamendi (G. Oliveira / J. Wynder) · Dahl (R. Obrador) · Trubin (S. Soares / D. Ferreira)

Benfica plays with a very direct identity using a 5-3-2 formation. The goal is to stay compact and use the pace of the players to hit opponents on the transition. This lineup focuses on quick vertical play rather than slow possession. SL Benfica looks to defend in a deep block and then move the ball forward rapidly to catch the opposition out of position.

Trubin guards the goal and manages the defensive area. The team uses a back five that can shift to cover different zones. Enzo Barrenechea holds the central spot to protect the middle. Otamendi uses his aerial strength to win headers and clear the lines during crosses. Antonio Silva plays as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. On the flanks, Dedic acts as an attacking wing back to provide width on the right, while Dahl plays as the left wing back to stretch the defence. The unit works together to squeeze the space in front of the goal.

The midfield formation consists of a three-man line with Sudakov playing as an attacking ten. Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes operate in the central areas to control the tempo. Richard Ríos works to press in a mid-block and win the second ball. Fredrik Aursnes connects the defensive and attacking lines by carrying the ball forward. Sudakov sits behind the two strikers to play through the lines and deliver passes into the channels. This midfield trio ensures the team can transition quickly when the ball is recovered.

The attack relies on two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic lead the front line. Pavlidis uses his clinical movement to pin the last defender and arrive late into the box. Franjo Ivanovic works to hold up the ball and lay it off to the runners. The team builds the attack through the width provided by Dedic and Dahl, who aim to get to the byline and cut it back. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball and regain possession high up the pitch.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages like the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs push high. The central trio of Richard Ríos, Fredrik Aursnes, and Sudakov provides numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch during transitions. Additionally, the back five provides great compactness when defending in a low block. This makes it very hard for opponents to find gaps between the lines.

The 5-3-2 formation makes SL Benfica a specialist in counter attacking football. This formation is best suited for facing teams that play with a high line and commit many players forward.