Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 PANFILI 07
2 CARVALHO
5 TROVATO
3 MARTINEZ 06
6 PUGLISI
4 VISINTIN
10 GONZALEZ (SX)
8 PAPASERIO
7 BAMBA
11 BALDEH
9 PASSEWE (176 DX)

A high press and rapid transition style defines this team using a 5-2-3 formation. The lineup focuses on squeezing the space high up the pitch to win the ball back quickly. This system is built to exploit gaps in the opposition defense as soon as a turnover occurs.

Panfili acts as the goalkeeper within a defensive unit that relies on a back five. Visintin sits in the center of the defense to hold the line while Trovato and Puglisi act as the wide center-backs to cover the spaces behind the wing backs. Carvalho operates as the right wing back to provide width, while Martinez works as the left wing back to push forward. This defensive block can sit deep or step up to set the offside trap, ensuring the central defenders can protect the area in front of Panfili.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Papaserio and Gonzalez work together to connect the defense and attack. Gonzalez looks to carry the ball forward to break the line, while Papaserio focuses on pressing aggressively to win the ball high and protect the space in front of the back five. This two-man midfield must be disciplined to avoid being bypassed, often requiring them to shift side to side to cover the width of the pitch.

In the attacking third, the team employs three attackers to stretch the defense. Bamba leads the line as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and fight for long balls. Baldeh and Passewe operate as wide attackers, with Baldeh staying wide to spread the play and Passewe looking to cut inside to create central presence. The team uses the wing backs to overlap the wingers, creating overloads on the flanks to deliver crosses into the box for Bamba.

A major strength of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, with the front three and midfield duo working to force a long ball. The presence of Carvalho and Martinez allows for wide overloads, which can isolate wide players in one on one situations. This lineup also provides great compactness when defending a lead, as the five defenders can quickly drop into a low block.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a strong platform for teams that want to strike on the break. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play with a high line and can be punished by quick runs in behind.