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) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica plays with a direct and high pressing identity using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on quick transitions and verticality to catch opponents off guard. By using a back five, the team aims to control wide areas while staying compact in the middle. This formation is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and launch immediate attacks.

Trubin stands between the posts to manage the defensive line. The back five consists of Richard Ríos, Otamendi, and Antonio Silva acting as the central core. The unit often holds a high line to squeeze the space. Dedic and Dahl operate as attacking wing backs to provide width. Dedic pushes up to overlap the winger, while Dahl seeks to stretch the defence on the opposite flank. The defensive unit works together to cover space and intercept passes.

In the middle of the pitch, Leandro Barreiro and Fredrik Aursnes form a double pivot. This midfield works to shield the defence and connect the lines. Barreiro works to protect the centre backs and recycle possession when needed. Aursnes is able to drive forward with the ball and arrive late into the box to add an extra layer to the attack. They must work hard to compress the midfield and stop the opposition from playing through the lines.

The attack features three players across the front line. Andreas Schjelderup plays as an inverted winger on the left, often looking to cut inside and find space. Dodi Lukebakio stays wide on the right to pull defenders away from the centre. Pavlidis acts as the central striker, using his strength to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. This front three presses from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. They look to break quickly and exploit the space behind the opposition back line.

One major advantage for SL Benfica is the wide overload created by Dedic and Dahl. Their ability to push high allows the team to pin the last defender and create many crossing opportunities. Another strength is the compactness when defending in a mid-block. This makes it very difficult for opponents to find gaps between the lines. The speed of transition from the central trio to the front three allows for devastating counter attacks.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a balance of defensive security and rapid attacking thrust. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with high lines and leave space behind their defenders.