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) · Fredrik Aursnes (L. Barreiro) · João Veloso (D. Prioste) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica aims to dominate through a high press and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3. This formation is built to play a vertical game that catches opponents off guard. The goal is to squeeze the space in the opponent's half and use wide players to stretch the defence.

Trubin protects the goal for SL Benfica. The defensive unit operates in a narrow defensive block with a back five. Enzo Barrenechea sits as the central man, while Otamendi and Antonio Silva act as the side centre backs. Otamendi uses his aerial strength to win headers and Antonio Silva provides cover to sweep behind a high line. Dedic and Dahl play as attacking wing backs to stretch the defence. Dedic will push up to overlap the winger and Dahl will look to whip it in from wide areas. The whole unit stays compact to deny the turn of the opponent.

The midfield works as a two man unit. Fredrik Aursnes and João Veloso operate in the center. Aursnes acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball, while Veloso plays as a deep lying playmaker to shield the defence and intercept passes. They connect the back five to the attack by playing short from the back and recycling possession. When the team loses the ball, they trigger a press to win it back high up the pitch.

The attack features three players across the front. Pavlidis works as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup act as inverted wingers who cut inside to find space. This movement allows Dedic and Dahl to overlap the winger and deliver early crosses. Pavlidis will hold up the ball to allow others to arrive late into the box. The team seeks to break the line with through balls and combine in tight spaces during transitions.

One strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. With the front three and the midfield pairing, the team can squeeze the space and force a long ball. Another advantage is the wide overloads created by the wing backs. As Dedic and Dahl push up, they create extra passing lanes and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This 5-2-3 formation focuses on defensive solidity and rapid counter attacks. It is best used against teams that dominate possession but struggle to defend against runners in behind.