Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Courtois (Belgium) · Timber (Netherlands) · Bastoni (Italy) · Saliba (France) · Mendes (Portugal) · Pedri (Spain) · Vitinha (Portugal) · Fernandes (Portugal) · Lamine (Spain) · Haaland (Norway) · Mbappe (France)

Focusing on a strong defensive foundation and rapid transitions, this team relies on a 5-3-2 formation. The lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before launching quick vertical attacks to exploit space behind the opposition. This setup allows for heavy numbers in the defensive third while maintaining a lethal threat through two elite strikers.

Courtois guards the goal and acts as a massive presence when defending his line. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Bastoni, Timber, and Vitinha. Bastoni acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks, while Timber provides strength in the middle. Vitinha covers the left side of the central trio. On the flanks, Saliba and Pedri act as attacking wing backs. Saliba is tasked to push high and provide width on the left, while Pedri carries the ball forward on the right to support the midfield.

A three man midfield sits ahead of the defensive line to control the center of the pitch. Fernandes plays as a single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Lamine and Mendes operate as the two central midfielders to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Mendes works to press aggressively to win the ball high, while Lamine looks to drive forward with the ball into the half spaces. This midfield group must stay compact to prevent opponents from playing through the middle.

The attack relies on a two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defence. Mbappe plays as a left striker where he uses his explosive pace to run in behind. Haaland occupies the right striker role as a physical presence to hold up the ball and win the header. They press the opposition back line to force mistakes and long balls. The formation aims to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to deliver crosses from the flanks to find the feet of the striker.

One major advantage is the ability to create wide overloads when Saliba and Pedri push up to join the midfield. Another strength is the compactness when defending in a low block, making it very difficult for opponents to find gaps between the lines. The speed of transition is also high, as Fernandes can immediately find Mbappe or Haaland to break quickly once the ball is won.

This formation is ideal for a team that wants to stay solid and counter at pace. It is best suited for matches against high pressing opponents who leave space behind their defenders.