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 Rìos / Manu Silva) · Dodi Lukebakio (Gianluca Prestianni) · Ivan Lima (Bruma / A. Schjelderup) · Vangelis Pavlidis · Franjo Ivanovic (H. Araújo)

SL Benfica focuses on a vertical style of play that seeks to break lines quickly through a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup aims to transition from a compact defensive block into a rapid attack. The team looks to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition before feeding the forwards.

Trubin stands between the posts to organize the back line. The defense operates as a flat back four where Antonio Silva acts as a ball playing defender with great composure. Beside him, Tomàs Araújo provides cover and stays deep to protect the central area. Dedic pushes up to provide width on the right while R. Obrador tracks back to secure the left flank. The unit works to keep the distances between players small when they sit deep to block passing lanes.

The midfield functions as a central block to control the middle of the pitch. Enzo Barrenechea acts as the single pivot to shield the defense and intercept passes. He works alongside Fredrik Aursnes who drives forward to connect the defensive unit with the attacking players. On the flanks, Dodi Lukebakio and Ivan Lima occupy the wide areas to provide service. These players must track back to support the full backs when the team loses possession.

In the final third, the team uses two forwards to lead the press. Vangelis Pavlidis plays as the main striker, using his movement to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Franjo Ivanovic operates as a second striker, looking to make runs into the space behind the defense. The wide players, Dodi Lukebakio and Ivan Lima, cut inside to create numerical advantages in central zones. This movement allows the team to deliver crosses or play quick short passes into the box.

SL Benfica gains several tactical advantages from this specific lineup. The formation allows for easy defensive compactness when the team needs to sit deep and protect a lead. It also enables the team to create wide overloads when Dedic and R. Obrador overlap with the midfielders. By using two strikers, the team can isolate central defenders in one on one situations during quick transitions.

This 4-4-2 formation provides a balance between defensive solidity and direct attacking play. It is best suited for games where the team needs to exploit spaces left by an attacking opponent.