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) · Richard Ríos (Manu / N. Fèlix) · Enzo Barrenechea (F. Aursnes / L. Barreiro) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Franjo Ivanovic (H. Araújo) · Vangelis Pavlidis

SL Benfica aims to play a high press and use a direct style of play within a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly to the opposition defense. The intention is to stretch the defence by using wide players to create space for the central attackers.

Trubin guards the goal for SL Benfica as the starting goalkeeper. The back line functions as a flat back four to maintain a compact shape. Antonio Silva acts as a ball playing defender on the right, while Otamendi covers the left side and uses his aerial strength to win the header during defensive set pieces. Dedic operates as an attacking full back on the right to provide width, and Dahl occupies the left side to help the team build from the back. This unit works together to hold the line and prevent runners from getting behind.

The midfield operates with a double pivot to control the central areas. Richard Ríos and Enzo Barrenechea form this pairing, with Ríos working to shield the defence and intercept passes. Barrenechea is tasked to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive unit to the attack. On the flanks, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio operate as wide midfielders. Schjelderup looks to cut inside into the half spaces, while Lukebakio stays wide to deliver crosses. This midfield group must press in a mid-block to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

The attacking unit consists of two forwards playing in a partnership. Franjo Ivanovic and Vangelis Pavlidis lead the line, often working in combinations to pull the last defender out of position. Pavlidis acts as a pressing centre-forward to force a long ball from the opposition, while Ivanovic looks to make runs in behind the defence. The team relies on the wingers to spread wide and whip it in to find the feet of the striker. This movement creates chances for the forwards to score in transition.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By having two banks of four, the team can squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch. Another strength is the speed of transition, as the double pivot can immediately find the wide players to attack the flanks. This setup also allows the team to create wide overloads when Dedic and Lukebakio push up the pitch together.

This 4-4-2 formation is designed for a high intensity game that relies on winning the second ball. It is best suited for facing teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.