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 utilizes a 5-2-3 formation to play a high press and direct brand of football. This lineup aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and immediately look to score. By spreading the players wide, the team can stretch the opposition and create gaps in the middle. The main goal is to use the width of the pitch to break the lines of the opponent.

Trubin stays in goal to manage the defensive unit. The defense operates as a back five with three central defenders working in a zonal line. Otamendi and Antonio Silva form a strong core, with Otamendi using his aerial strength to win headers and Antonio Silva providing cover for his teammates. Enzo Barrenechea sits in the middle of the trio to help defend the central area. Dedic acts as an attacking wing back on the right to overlap the winger, while Dahl plays as the left wing back to provide width. The defenders can drop into a low block or step up to set the offside trap.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the game. João Veloso and Fredrik Aursnes operate in the middle to bridge the gap between the defense and the attack. João Veloso works to shield the defense and recycle possession, while Fredrik Aursnes acts as a carrier to drive the ball forward into the final third. They must be ready to press in a mid-block to win the ball back quickly. This pair is responsible for picking up runners and ensuring the team remains compact when the opposition has the ball.

Up front, the team uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Pavlidis plays as a lone striker who can hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. On the flanks, Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup act as wide attackers. Dodi Lukebakio looks to cut inside to create shot opportunities, while Andreas Schjelderup tries to get to the byline to whip it in. The wingers work to isolate wide players in one on one situations during transitions. This front line is designed to create runs in behind and quick combinations.

A key strength for SL Benfica is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Dedic and Dahl. Their ability to push high allows the wingers to move into more central positions. The team also benefits from a high level of compactness when defending in a mid-block. This makes it difficult for the opponent to find space between the lines. The speed of transition allows the team to hit in behind on the transition before the opponent can recover.

This 5-2-3 formation is built to dominate games through high pressing and wide attacks. It is best suited for games against teams that play a possession based game and leave space behind their defense.