SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

SL Benfica plays with an aggressive identity using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to play a direct game that focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and attacking with numbers. The goal is to use the width of the field to stretch the defense and create many chances in the final third.

Trubin acts as the goalkeeper to lead the defensive unit from the back. The team uses a flat back four that often maintains a high line to squeeze the space. Antonio Silva is a ball playing defender who likes to play out from the back with composure. Tomàs Araújo stays close to him to defend zonally and win the header when balls are played long. Dedic plays as a defensive wing back on the right to cover the flank and track back if needed. R. Obrador provides width on the left and will push up to support the wingers.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes. These two players must work hard to shield the defense and win the second ball. Richard Ríos looks to intercept passes and press the opposition in a mid-block. Fredrik Aursnes acts as the link who can carry the ball forward and play through the lines to find the attackers. They need to stay compact to prevent the opponent from playing through the middle.

The attacking unit features four players tasked with breaking the lines. Ivan Lima and Dodi Lukebakio operate as wide wingers to provide width. Ivan Lima likes to cut inside to create chances in the middle, while Dodi Lukebakio works to get to the byline and whip it in. In the center, Sudakov and Pavlidis work as a partnership to pin the last defender. They combine in tight spaces to find the feet of the striker and knock it in behind the defense.

A major strength of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs overlap the winger. The high number of players in the final third allows SL Benfica to press in coordinated waves to win it back high up the pitch. The team can also break quickly on the transition to catch opponents out of position.

This 4-2-4 formation is designed for high pressure and rapid attacking movement. It works best when facing an opponent that sits deep or struggles to handle constant pressure in their own half.