SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Trubin (S. Soares / D. Ferreira) · Dedic (Bah / L. Santos) · Antonio Silva (G Oliveira / J. Wynder) · Tomàs Araújo (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 a heavy vertical game with this 4-2-4 formation. The lineup aims to stretch the opposition defense by staying wide and looking to hit the opponent on the break with four dedicated attackers. This setup is built to play high tempo football that seeks to exploit spaces behind the opposition back line.

Trubin guards the goal for SL Benfica while the back four works to maintain a high line. Antonio Silva and Tomàs Araújo act as the central pairing, with Silva providing aerial strength and Araújo acting as the covering defender. Dedic operates as a right back to provide width, while R. Obrador plays as the left back to help balance the defensive line. The unit works together to defend zonally and win the second ball to start quick transitions.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide a base for the attack. Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes work to shield the defense and recycle possession when the team needs to slow the tempo. Ríos acts as a carrier to move the ball forward, while Aursnes connects the defensive and attacking lines. This pairing must be disciplined to cover the large gaps left behind when the full backs push high up the pitch.

In the attacking third, the team uses two forwards in a partnership consisting of Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic. Pavlidis acts as a focal point to hold up the ball, while Ivanovic looks to make runs in behind. Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to spread the defense. This four-man front line is designed to create isolation in one on one situations and deliver crosses into the box.

The formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to create wide overloads and rapid transitions. By having four players high up the pitch, SL Benfica can pin the last defender and force the opposition into a deep block. The speed of the players in transition allows the team to catch opponents out of position before they can settle.

This 4-2-4 formation focuses on direct attacking play and aggressive width. It is best suited for matches where the opponent plays a high line and can be exploited with quick vertical passes.