Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

David Raya (Arsenal) · Hakimi (PSG) · Saliba (Arsenal) · Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) · Nuno Mendes (PSG) · Caicedo (Chelsea) · Rice (Arsenal) · Pedri (Barcelona) · Mbappe (Real Madrid) · Saka (Arsenal) · Vinicious Junior (Real Madrid)

Prioritizing heavy pressing and quick transitions, the lineup uses a 5-2-3 formation to dominate the pitch. This setup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike rapidly against the opposition back line. By using a wide attacking front, the team looks to stretch the defence and create space for central runners.

David Raya acts as the last line of defence, playing short from the back to start attacks. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Gabriel Magalhães, Saliba, and Caicedo. Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are dominant in the air and provide cover for one another, while Caicedo sits deep to hold the line. Nuno Mendes and Hakimi play as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and support the attackers. This formation allows the wide defenders to squeeze the space when the team presses, while the central three defend zonally to protect the middle.

In the middle of the park, the team employs a double pivot. Rice and Pedri are responsible for controlling the tempo and connecting the defence to the attack. Rice works to shield the defence and intercept passes, while Pedri uses his passing range to find teammates and play through the lines. Together, they work to win the second ball and recycle possession when the initial attack fails. They must often drop deep to help the back three when facing a heavy press, ensuring the team maintains control in the middle third.

The attacking front line is built around three players designed to punish mistakes. Mbappe acts as a pressing centre-forward, looking to find the feet of the striker or run in behind. On the wings, Vinicious Junior and Saka provide immense width. Vinicious Junior uses his dribbling style to cut inside from the left, while Saka looks to get to the byline and deliver early crosses. This trio works in combinations to isolate defenders in one on one situations, using the width provided by Nuno Mendes and Hakimi to pull the opposition apart.

One major strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, with the front three triggering the press while the midfield follows. Another advantage is the width created by the attacking wing backs, which creates wide overloads and forces the opposition to defend the flanks. This makes the team very dangerous in transition, as they can break quickly once the ball is won.

This formation focuses on high intensity and rapid verticality to overwhelm opponents. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high defensive line or struggle to manage wide overloads.