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) · Enzo Barrenechea (Richard Ríos / Manu Silva) · Ivan Lima (Bruma / A. Schjelderup) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Franjo Ivanovic (H. Araújo) · Vangelis Pavlidis

SL Benfica looks to play a high octane brand of football using a 4-2-4. This formation aims to stretch the opposition by spreading players wide and creating direct attacking threats. The lineup is built to push the game forward and win the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents before they can settle.

Trubin starts between the posts to manage the defensive line. A flat back four forms the foundation of the defense with Dedic at right back and R. Obrador at left back. Both full backs are expected to push high to support the attack while maintaining enough discipline to track back. In the center, Antonio Silva and Tomàs Araújo form the pairing, with Antonio Silva providing aerial strength and Tomàs Araújo acting as a covering defender. This unit works to defend zonally and keep the defensive line high to squeeze the space.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Enzo Barrenechea and Fredrik Aursnes occupy the two central roles, acting as the engine that connects the defense to the front four. Barrenechea works to shield the defense and win the second ball, while Aursnes looks to carry the ball forward and progress through the thirds. This pair must remain compact to prevent the opposition from playing through the middle and ensure they can recycle possession when needed.

In the final third, SL Benfica utilizes two strikers in a partnership. Vangelis Pavlidis and Franjo Ivanovic lead the line, with Pavlidis often acting as a focal point to hold up the ball and link with others. On the flanks, Dodi Lukebakio and Ivan Lima act as wide wingers who stay close to the touchline to provide maximum width. These attackers press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The goal is to create runs in behind or find the feet of the striker through quick passing combinations.

One major advantage of this 4-2-4 lineup is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs join the wingers. The team can also achieve high pressing intensity in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for the opponent to build out from the back. This setup also allows for quick transitions, as the four attackers can immediately sprint forward to exploit gaps in a retreating defense.

This formation is a heavy attacking lineup designed to dominate the game through directness and width. It is best suited for matches where the opponent plays a low block and needs to be stretched.