SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Trubin (S. Soares / D. Ferreira) · Dedic (Bah / L. Santos) · Tomàs Araújo (Antonio Silva) · Otamendi (G. Oliveira / J. Wynder) · Dahl (R. Obrador) · Enzo Barrenechea (Richard Ríos / Manu Silva) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Andreas Schjelderup (Bruma) · Sudakov (J. Rego / Gonçalo Moreira) · Franjo Ivanovic (H. Araújo) · Vangelis Pavlidis

Focusing on a high press and quick transitions, SL Benfica operates with a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with speed before the opposition can settle. The team looks to squeeze the space in the middle and use wide players to stretch the defence during attacks.

Trubin guards the goal while the defensive unit maintains a back three. Otamendi acts as a ball playing centre back alongside Enzo Barrenechea, who provides cover for the line. Tomàs Araújo sits to the right of the central pair to help manage runners. Dedic and Dahl act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and overlapping the midfielders. This unit is designed to hold a compact shape when the team drops into a low block.

The midfield functions as a three man midfield with a carrier. Sudakov plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers to connect the lines and find pockets of space. Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup occupy the central roles, looking to press aggressively to win the ball high. These players work to link the defence to the attack by recycling possession or driving forward to break the line.

SL Benfica utilizes two forwards in a partnership at the front. Vangelis Pavlidis leads the line as a pressing centre forward, while Franjo Ivanovic plays as a second striker to work in the channels. The two forwards often combine in tight spaces to pull defenders out of position. When the team attacks, the wing backs provide the width, allowing the strikers to focus on runs in behind or link up play between the lines.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The presence of Dedic and Dahl creates wide overloads from overlapping wing backs that force the opposition to defend the flanks. The team also benefits from a high press in coordinated waves led by Pavlidis and Sudakov. This allows SL Benfica to win the ball back high up the pitch and counter at pace.

The 5-3-2 formation provides a solid base for both defensive stability and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for games against teams that play with high defensive lines or struggle to handle wide overloads.