Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

B. Lizarazu (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · J. Boateng (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · H. Herbert (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · P. Janes (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · Xabi Alonso (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · B. Schweinsteiger (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · A. Vidal (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · F. Wirtz (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · U. Seeler (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · E. Dzeko (Fortuna Düsseldorf) · J. Croy (Borussia M'gladbach)

This team focuses on a high press and quick transitions through a 5-3-2 formation. The tactical identity relies on heavy energy to win the ball high up the pitch before hitting the opposition behind their defensive line. By using this lineup, the side aims to control central areas while using wide players to stretch the game.

J. Croy stays behind a compact back five to protect the goal. Xabi Alonso acts as the central figure in the defensive unit, using his passing range to play out from the back and organize the line. He is flanked by J. Boateng and H. Herbert, who provide strength and cover. P. Janes and B. Lizarazu operate as attacking wing backs, tasked to push high and provide width. This defensive unit can drop into a low block or step up to squeeze the space against teams that try to play short from the back.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative hub. A. Vidal and B. Schweinsteiger occupy the central roles, where they work to win the second ball and press in a mid-block. Schweinsteiger uses his passing to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Vidal drives forward to carry the ball forward into the half spaces. F. Wirtz plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, looking to find the feet of the forwards or arrive late into the box to score. This trio ensures the team remains compact when defending and can quickly switch play once possession is regained.

An attacking partnership of two forwards drives the offensive movement. U. Seeler and E. Dzeko operate as the front two, often combining in tight spaces to break the line. E. Dzeko acts as a target man to hold up the ball, allowing U. Seeler to make runs in behind. The wide players, P. Janes and B. Lizarazu, provide constant width by overlapping the winger roles, which forces the opposition to pull wide and leaves gaps in the middle. The team attacks through quick combinations and uses the wing backs to deliver crosses or cut it back for the arriving midfielders.

One major advantage for this team is the ability to create wide overloads through the wing backs. When B. Lizarazu and P. Janes push forward, they pin the last defender and create space for F. Wirtz to operate. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, with the front three and the midfield trio working together to force a long ball from the opponent. This creates high turnover opportunities in dangerous areas.

This formation provides a strong defensive foundation while remaining dangerous on the break. It is best suited for facing teams that play with a high defensive line or those that rely heavily on possession in the central zones.