Morocco National Football Team Formation
Starting Lineup
Bono · aguerd · Mazraoui · hakimi · Anas salah eddine · aynaoui · Ounahi · akhnous · El kabi · Saibari · ZalzouliMorocco relies on a high press and rapid verticality when playing in a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to suffocate opponents in their own half and use quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. By controlling the tempo through heavy pressing, the team looks to win the ball high up the pitch to feed their three attackers immediately.
Bono guards the goal as the last line of defense. The defensive unit uses a back three consisting of aynaoui in the center, with aguerd and Mazraoui acting as the left and right central defenders. Aynaoui provides aerial strength and covers the middle, while aguerd and Mazraoui step up to intercept passes. On the flanks, hakimi operates as a right wing back, using his pace to push forward and overlap, while Anas salah eddine covers the left side to provide width and defensive stability.
The midfield operates as a double pivot to control the central zone. Ounahi and akhnous work to shield the back three and break the lines with their passing. Ounahi drives forward to link the play, while akhnous tracks back to help the defenders when the team sits deep. This central duo must be able to intercept play and immediately switch the ball to the wide areas to start an attack.
The attack utilizes three players to stretch the opposition defense. El kabi acts as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and bring others into play. On the wings, Zalzouli and Saibari act as wide attackers who cut inside to create goalscoring opportunities. These forwards press high in coordination to force mistakes, while their movements create space for the wing backs to join the offensive phase.
A major strength of this Morocco lineup is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of hakimi and Anas salah eddine. The team also benefits from the speed of transition, moving from a defensive block to an attacking wave in seconds. This setup allows the players to isolate wide players in one on one situations, making it difficult for opponents to defend the flanks.
The 5-2-3 formation provides a robust defensive base while maintaining a lethal threat on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line or struggle to manage wide defensive shifts.