SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

SL Benfica looks to play with a high press and verticality through a 4-2-4. This lineup is built to stretch the opposition and attack with great speed through the channels. The team seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward immediately to catch the defense before they can sit deep.

Trubin stays between the posts to organize the defense. The back line operates as a flat back four, where Dedic acts as a full back to support the right side and R. Obrador handles the left side. In the center, Antonio Silva and Tomàs Araújo act as the main defenders, with Antonio Silva using his aerial strength to win headers during defensive transitions. This unit works to maintain a high line to keep the team compact when they press.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes. Richard Ríos works to shield the defense and press aggressively to win the ball back. Fredrik Aursnes acts as the link between the defense and the attack, often carrying the ball forward to find the forwards. This pair must work hard to cover the space behind the high line and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

SL Benfica uses two forwards in a partnership with Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic leading the line. This combination creates constant pressure on the opposing centre-backs. On the flanks, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio play as wide wingers who want to cut inside and threaten the box. The attack is built to create runs in behind and use the width to pull the defense apart, often looking for cutbacks or quick combinations in the final third.

A major tactical advantage for SL Benfica is the ability to press high in coordinated waves with four attackers. This creates intense pressure on the opposition goalkeeper and defenders, often forcing a long ball that the midfield can intercept. The formation also offers speed of transition, allowing the team to hit in behind on the transition with players like Dodi Lukebakio and Andreas Schjelderup.

This 4-2-4 formation is designed for a high intensity game where the team can dominate through direct attacking. It is best suited for facing opponents that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.