Albania National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Strakosha · Gjimshiti · Ajeti · Mitaj · Hysaj · Shehu · Asllani · Daku · Uzuni · Hoxha · Bajrami (Balliu) (Laci)

A high pressing and vertical style of play defines Albania when they deploy a 4-2-4. This formation aims to overwhelm the opponent in the final third by committing many players forward. By using such a heavy attacking lineup, the team looks to win the ball back quickly and strike before the opposition can settle.

Strakosha guards the goal and directs the defensive unit from the back. The back line sits in a flat four with Hysaj acting as the right back and Mitaj providing width on the left. In the center, Gjimshiti and Ajeti form the defensive core. Gjimshiti uses his aerial strength to clear crosses, while Ajeti focuses on covering space and intercepting passes. These defenders must step up high to keep the team compact and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to bridge the gap between defense and attack. Shehu and Asllani work in the central area to control the tempo and provide a shield for the back four. Shehu acts as a ball winner to break up play, while Asllani looks to connect the lines and find the forwards with quick passes. This pair must work hard to track back and cover the wide areas when the full backs push forward.

In the attacking phase, Albania utilizes four players to stretch the opposition. Uzuni and Daku operate as two central forwards, with Daku using his strength to hold up the ball for others. Hoxha and Bajrami provide width on the flanks as wide wingers. These players are expected to press high and cut inside to create goal scoring chances. The movement of the two strikers forces the opposing center backs to stay deep, which creates more space for the wingers to run into.

This setup offers great potential for wide overloads when Hysaj and Mitaj overlap the attackers. The team can also exploit space behind the opponent defense through rapid transitions. By keeping the lines close together, Albania can press in coordinated waves to force turnovers in dangerous areas. The heavy presence of Uzuni, Daku, Hoxha, and Bajrami ensures that the opposition is always under constant pressure in their own half.

This 4-2-4 formation is built for aggressive, attacking football that seeks to dominate through high intensity. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to chase a result or exploit a vulnerable, slow opposition defense.