Criciúma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- Alisson
14- Marcelo B.
4- Luizão
3- L. Halter*
25- Gui Lobo
8- Jair*
21- Lucas B.*
15- M. Araújo*
10- J. Robert
11- Matheuzinho*
9- JM Lucero*

Criciúma focuses on high pressing and rapid transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the opposition in their own half and win the ball back quickly to attack the space behind the defensive line. The team looks to play with intensity, using wide areas to stretch the opposition while keeping a compact unit when they lose possession.

Alisson sits between the posts to command the area and start attacks. The back three consists of L. Halter acting as the central defender to hold the line, while Marcelo B. plays as the right centre-back and Luizão operates as the left centre-back. These three defenders work to stay tight and cover the space when the wide midfielders push forward. They are tasked with winning the second ball and clearing the lines to prevent any direct attacks.

The midfield functions as a four-man unit that provides both width and central control. Jair and Gui Lobo operate as the central pair to control the tempo and protect the back three. Jair works to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Gui Lobo looks to drive forward with the ball. On the flanks, Lucas B. and M. Araújo act as wide midfielders to provide width and help the fullbacks in transition. They are expected to track back to support the defense and help the team shift across the pitch.

In the attacking third, Criciúma uses three forwards to pin the last defender. JM Lucero operates as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. J. Robert and Matheuzinho play as wide attackers, with J. Robert on the left and Matheuzinho on the right. These players look to cut inside and create goal scoring opportunities or provide service to the striker. The frontline aims to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major advantage for Criciúma is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build play from the back. The formation also offers width through Lucas B. and M. Araújo, which can create overloads in the wide areas. By using a three man defense, the team can shift quickly to cover the flanks and maintain a compact block when defending deep.

This 3-4-3 formation provides a high intensity pressing identity that relies on quick recovery of the ball. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back or leave large spaces behind their defensive line.