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 (Nuno Fèlix) · Enzo Barrenechea (Manu Silva) · Sudakov (J. Rego / Gonçalo Moreira) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schhelderup (Bruma) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica plays a vertical and high pressing game within a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and break quickly. By committing four players to the front line, the team aims to stretch the defence and create constant pressure in the final third. This lineup relies on winning possession in dangerous areas to exploit a disorganized opposition.

Trubin stays between the posts to guard the goal. The back four includes Dedic at right back and Dahl at left back, who both push up to provide width and support the attack. Antonio Silva and Otamendi act as the central defenders. Otamendi uses his aerial strength to win headers and hold the line, while Antonio Silva can step up to intercept or play out from the back. The defensive unit works to hold a high line and squeeze the space to keep the pitch compact.

The midfield functions as a double pivot with Richard Ríos and Enzo Barrenechea. Richard Ríos works to press aggressively and carry the ball forward to connect the lines. Enzo Barrenechea sits deeper to shield the defence and win the second ball. This pair must work to recycle possession and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle, ensuring they cover the gaps left by the advancing full backs.

The attack features four players ready to exploit space. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schhelderup play wide, with Lukebakio looking to cut inside and Schhelderup to spread wide and hit the touchline. Sudakov and Pavlidis operate as a central duo. Pavlidis focuses on runs in behind and movement to find space, while Sudakov looks to play through the lines and lay it off to his teammates. They press from the front to force a long ball and win it back high.

A key advantage for SL Benfica is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. Having four attackers makes it easy to trigger a press and win the ball high up the pitch. The formation also provides immense speed of transition, as the wingers and strikers are always ready to hit in behind on the transition to catch the opposition out of position.

This 4-2-4 formation is a high risk, high reward system designed for aggressive football. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back or play in a low block.