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) · Richard Ríos (Enzo Barrenechea / Manu) · Fredrik Aursnes (D. Prioste) · Leandro Barreiro (J. Veloso) · Dodi Lukebakio (G. Prestianni) · Ivan Lima (Bruma / A. Schjelderup) · Pavlidis (F. Ivanovic / H. Araújo)

SL Benfica focuses on a high press and vertical play through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and hit opponents during transitions. The team relies on a compact defensive block to squeeze the space and force a long ball from the opposition.

Trubin plays as the goalkeeper to command the box and clear the lines. The defense consists of a back five that can shift between a mid-block and a low block. Richard Ríos sits in the center of the defense to hold the line and win headers. Antonio Silva plays as the right centre-back to cover the space behind the wing back. Tomàs Araújo provides cover on the left side of the central trio. Dedic acts as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while R. Obrador works as the left wing back to track back and defend the flank.

The midfield is a double pivot designed to control the center. Leandro Barreiro works to shield the defense and pick up runners in front of the back line. Fredrik Aursnes acts as the carrier to drive forward and progress through the thirds. These two players link the defense to the attack by playing short from the back and finding the feet of the striker. They must work to press in pairs to deny the pivot of the opposition.

SL Benfica attacks with three forwards to stretch the defense. Pavlidis serves as the lone striker to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. Dodi Lukebakio plays on the right to cut inside and create chances. Ivan Lima operates on the left to pull wide and deliver crosses. This movement creates space for the wing backs to overlap the winger and provide extra passing lanes. The forwards press from the front to force errors from the opposition back line.

A primary strength is the ability to create wide overloads when Dedic and R. Obrador push high. The formation also offers compactness when defending, making it difficult for opponents to play through the lines. The speed of transition allows the team to counter at pace and hit in behind on the transition.

This 5-2-3 formation is built to absorb pressure and strike with lethal efficiency. It is best suited for games against high-possession teams that leave significant space behind their defense.