SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Trubin (S. Soares / D. Ferreira) · Dedic (Bah / L. Santos) · Antonio Silva (Tomàs Araújo) · Otamendi (G. Oliveira / J. Wynder) · Dahl (R. Obrador) · Enzo Barrenechea (Richard Ríos / Manu Silva) · João Veloso (D. Prioste) · Fredrik Aursnes (L. Barreiro) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica focuses on a vertical and direct way of playing using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to defend in a compact block and then break quickly through transitions. The team looks to use the full width of the pitch to stretch the defence once they win possession.

Trubin plays as the goalkeeper to command the area and clear the lines when under pressure. The defence operates with a back five to ensure heavy cover across the pitch. Enzo Barrenechea occupies the central role to hold the line and protect the zone. Otamendi uses his aerial strength and positional awareness to manage the left side of the trio, while Antonio Silva works as a ball playing defender on the right. Dedic acts as a right wing back to provide width, and Dahl functions as a left wing back to cover the flank. This unit stays tight to deny the turn and force the opposition wide.

The midfield relies on a two man pairing to control the center of the pitch. João Veloso plays as a deep lying playmaker to shield the defence and recycle possession. Fredrik Aursnes works as a carrier to drive forward with the ball and link the defensive unit to the attackers. They must press in a mid-block to win the ball and prevent opponents from playing through the lines. Their primary job is to win the second ball and start the attack.

In the attacking phase, Pavlidis acts as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal. This movement creates space for the wing backs to overlap the winger and deliver crosses. Dedic and Dahl push high to get to the byline and cut it back for late arrivals. The team looks to hit in behind on the transition to exploit high lines.

A major advantage of this Benfica lineup is the ability to create wide overloads using the wing backs. By pushing Dedic and Dahl forward, the team can outnumber defenders on the flanks. Another strength is the defensive compactness that makes it difficult for teams to find space between the lines. This makes the team very hard to break down when they drop into a low block.

This 5-2-3 formation is ideal for teams that want to sit deep and strike with pace. It works best against opponents that dominate possession but struggle to defend against rapid counters.