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 (Enzo Barrenechea / Manu) · Fredrik Aursnes (J. Veloso) · Leandro Barreiro (D. Prioste) · Franjo Ivanovic (V. Pavlidis / H. Araújo) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma)

SL Benfica operates with a high press and quick transition identity using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and hit the opposition on the break. The team looks to squeeze the space in the final third and use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create openings.

Trubin stands between the posts to lead the defensive unit. The back five consists of Dedic as the right wing back and Dahl as the left wing back to provide width and support the attack. In the middle, Richard Ríos sits as the central defender to hold the line while Antonio Silva and Otamendi act as the wide centre-backs. Otamendi uses his aerial strength to win headers and Antonio Silva plays out from the back to start attacks. The defensive unit works together to defend zonally and cover the space behind the wing backs.

The midfield relies on a two-man unit with Leandro Barreiro and Fredrik Aursnes. These two work to control the center and press in a mid-block when the ball is lost. Leandro Barreiro works to shield the defence and win the second ball, while Fredrik Aursnes drives forward to connect the defensive and attacking lines. They must track back constantly to pick up runners and cover the gaps in the middle of the pitch. This connection is vital to move from a defensive block to an attack.

Up front, SL Benfica uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Franjo Ivanovic acts as the central striker to find the feet of his teammates and hold up the ball. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to stretch the defence. Lukebakio looks to cut inside and create chances, while Andreas Schjelderup uses his pace to make runs in behind. They look to play one-two combinations to break the line and deliver crosses.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The team creates wide overloads because Dedic and Dahl push high to overlap the wingers. Having three central defenders allows the side to stay compact and win the second ball in the middle. The speed of transition is a key factor because the players can move from a defensive block to an attacking move very quickly.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a balance of defensive solidity and attacking intent. It is best suited for facing teams that commit many players forward and leave space behind their defence.