SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

SL Benfica plays a vertical and aggressive style of football within a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to pin the opposition back and win the ball high up the pitch to create immediate scoring chances. The focus is on a heavy press and rapid transitions to catch opponents in moments of disorder.

Trubin stays in goal to command the area. The back four functions as a line that can step up to support the high press. Antonio Silva acts as a ball playing defender who can carry the ball forward, while Tomàs Araújo is dominant in the air to win the header and provide cover. Dedic operates as an attacking full back to provide width on the right, whereas R. Obrador helps the unit hold the line. The defensive group works together to squeeze the space and force a long ball from the opposition.

The midfield operates as a double pivot with Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes. Richard Ríos works to shield the defense and intercept passes in the central zone. Fredrik Aursnes acts as a carrier to connect the defensive line with the attack, often dropping between the centre backs to receive the ball and recycle possession. Together, they press in a mid block to deny the pivot and ensure they do not get bypassed in the middle.

Up front, the attacking unit uses four players to stretch the defence. Pavlidis and Sudakov work as two forwards in a partnership, where Pavlidis acts to hold up the ball and Sudakov looks to make runs in behind. On the flanks, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio act as wide wingers who hug the touchline to provide width. These attackers press from the front to force errors and look to hit in behind on the transition through quick combinations.

This 4-2-4 formation offers significant attacking pressure and the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using four attackers, SL Benfica can pin the last defender and isolate wide players in one on one situations. The speed of transition is a major advantage, allowing the team to switch play quickly once they win it back high up the pitch.

This lineup is built for high intensity and dominant attacking play. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play a slow build up and struggle to cope with a heavy press.