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 (L. Barreiro / J. Veloso) · Sudakov (J. Rego / Gonçalo Moreira) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica aims to play a heavy, vertical game that focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch. This lineup utilizes a 4-2-4 to push numbers into the attacking third and force the opponent into mistakes. The goal is to overwhelm the opposition through sheer numbers in the final third and quick transitions.

Trubin guards the goal for SL Benfica. The back line functions as a flat back four that can step up to squeeze the space. Otamendi uses his aerial strength to win the header in defensive situations, while Antonio Silva works to cover behind the line and intercept passes. Dedic and Dahl act as full backs that push up to provide width, though they must track back quickly when the ball is lost. This unit works together to maintain a high line and press the opponent early.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes. These two must work hard to shield the defense and win the second ball when the front line fails to press effectively. Richard Ríos acts as a carrier to move the ball forward, while Fredrik Aursnes helps to connect the defensive and attacking lines. They must occupy the central spaces to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines and ensure they recycle possession when needed.

The attack is built around four players who aim to stretch the defence. Pavlidis and Sudakov act as the central duo, with Pavlidis looking to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup play as wide attackers, with Lukebakio often looking to cut inside to create goalscoring chances. This front line is designed to press from the front, forcing long balls and winning the ball high up the pitch to launch immediate attacks.

This formation offers significant advantages in the attacking phase. The team can create wide overloads by using the full backs to overlap the wingers, forcing the opposition to defend in much larger areas. There is also an ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the four attackers to trigger a press that puts immense pressure on the opposing center backs. This makes the team very dangerous during a quick break.

The 4-2-4 lineup is a high-risk, high-reward system that prioritizes offensive dominance. It is best suited for games against teams that play a low block and can be stretched by wide movements and vertical passing.