Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Різник (Shakhtar) · Шабанов (Metalist 1925) · Джордан (Zoria) · Педро Енріке (Shakhtar) · Караваєв (Dynamo Kyiv) · Калюжний (Metalist 1925) · Оба (LNZ Cherkasy) · Сіфуентес (Epicenter) · Мендоса (Kryvbas) · Гуцуляк (Polissia) · Будківський (Zoria)

Focusing on rapid transitions and defensive stability, this lineup utilizes a 5-2-3 formation. The team aims to win the ball back quickly and hit opponents on the break by using the width of the pitch. This setup is built to defend in a deep block and then explode forward once the ball is recovered.

Різник operates between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit relies on a back five where Калюжний sits central as the primary defender to sweep behind a high line. To his sides, Шабанов and Джордан act as wide centre-backs to provide cover and defend zonally. On the flanks, Педро Енріке and Караваєв act as attacking wing backs to provide width. These wing backs are tasked to push high up the pitch to support the attack while tracking back to maintain a narrow defensive block when the opposition has the ball.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to maintain central control. Сілуентес and Оба work together to shield the defence and recycle possession. Сілуентес acts to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Оба works to press aggressively to win the ball high in the middle third. This duo must be disciplined to avoid leaving gaps behind them, ensuring they cover the space left by the advancing wing backs. Their main job is to recover the ball and find the forwards quickly to initiate a break.

An aggressive front three provides the main attacking threat. Будківський acts as a lone striker to lead the press from the front and hold up the ball for others. On the wings, Мендоса and Гуцуляк operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to stretch the defence. This positioning allows for runs in behind or allows the wingers to cut inside and create space for the wing backs to overlap. The team looks to play through the lines with direct passes to the attackers during transitions.

One major advantage is the ability to create wide overloads from the overlapping runs of Педро Енріке and Караваєв. This numerical superiority on the flanks forces the opposition to shift constantly. Another strength is the compactness when defending, as the five defenders and two midfielders squeeze the space in the middle. This makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle, forcing them to play long balls.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed for a counter attacking identity. It is best suited for matches against teams that hold high lines and leave space behind their defence.