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)

SL Benfica favors a vertical style of play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play with high intensity and use quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The main goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create chances through rapid movement.

Trubin stays between the posts to command the penalty area. The defensive unit functions as a back five. Dedic operates as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while Dahl performs a similar role on the left. In the center, Richard Ríos acts as a central defender to hold the line. Otamendi uses his aerial strength to win headers and clear the lines, while Antonio Silva plays as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. The whole unit can sit deep or push up to squeeze the space.

The midfield relies on two central players to link the lines. Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro work together in the center of the pitch. Aursnes often carries the ball forward to drive the team into the final third, while Barreiro works to shield the defence and win the second ball. They must stay compact to protect the central zone and recycle possession when the team faces pressure.

The attack features three players positioned high up the pitch. Franjo Ivanovic acts as a pressing centre forward to hunt for the ball and lead the line. On the flanks, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio provide width and goal threats. Schjelderup tends to cut inside to create chances, whereas Lukebakio looks to hit in behind on the transition. This creates many chances for cutbacks from the byline and allows the team to attack in combinations.

One major advantage for Benfica is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs overlap the wingers. The formation also offers great compactness when defending in a mid block. Finally, the team can break quickly with the speed of the front three, making them very dangerous on the counter.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a balanced way to defend while remaining a threat on the break. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession but leave space behind their defensive line.