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

Seeking to strike with pace on the break, SL Benfica utilizes a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a vertical game that relies on quick transitions and heavy pressure. The team aims to maintain a compact block to deny space before launching attacks the moment they win the ball back.

Trubin stays between the posts to command the area and clear the lines. The defense works as a back five with Otamendi, Richard Ríos, and Antonio Silva forming a central trio. Otamendi uses his aerial strength and positioning to lead the line, while Antonio Silva uses his defensive anticipation to sweep behind the others. Dedic and Dahl act as attacking wing backs to provide width. Dedic pushes high up the flank to support the right side, while Dahl covers the left to ensure the team can switch play effectively. This defensive unit stays narrow to protect the middle and force the opposition into wide areas.

The midfield functions as a double pivot consisting of Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro. Aursnes works to connect the defense to the attack, often carrying the ball forward into the half spaces. Barreiro sits slightly deeper to shield the back three and win the second ball. Together, they press in a mid-block to disrupt the opposition and pick up runners. They must be ready to intercept passes and immediately find the front three to start a fast break.

In the final third, the team utilizes three attackers to stretch the defence. Franjo Ivanovic acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Andreas Schjelderup plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and look for goal. Dodi Lukebakio stays wide on the right to pull defenders out of position and whip it in. This front line works to hit in behind the defense on the transition, using the space created by the overlapping wing backs.

One major advantage for SL Benfica is the ability to create wide overloads. When Dedic or Dahl push up, they create two on two situations against the opposing full backs. Another strength is the compactness when defending. The proximity between the central trio and the midfield duo makes it hard for opponents to play through the lines. This formation also allows for rapid speed of transition once the ball is won high up the pitch.

This 5-2-3 formation provides Benfica with a balance of defensive solidity and lethal counter attacking potential. It is best suited for matches against teams that hold high lines and leave space behind their defenders.