Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S. Tacconi (Juventus) · J. César (Juventus) · D. Passarella (C) (Fiorentina) · J. Herrera (Cagliari) · L. Júnior (Torino) · Alemão (Napoli) · T. Cerezo (Sampdoria) · Falcão (Roma) · Zico (Udinese) · D. Maradona (Napoli) · Careca (Napoli)

A heavy focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions defines this lineup, which utilizes a 5-3-2 formation. The team aims to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting the opposition with direct verticality. This setup is built to play as a counter attacking unit that can absorb heavy pressure and use the speed of its forwards to exploit spaces behind the defense.

S. Tacconi acts as the last line of defense, positioned behind a compact back five. The defensive unit operates with a central trio consisting of Alemão, captain D. Passarella, and J. César. D. Passarella leads the line, providing aerial strength and reading the game to sweep behind the others. Alemão and J. César hold the line to ensure no runners get through the middle, while L. Júnior and J. Herrera act as attacking wing backs. These wide defenders are expected to push up to provide width and track back quickly to defend the flanks when the team loses the ball.

In the center of the pitch, the team employs a three-man midfield designed to control the tempo and connect the defensive line to the attack. Falcão and T. Cerezo operate in the central areas to shield the defense and recycle possession. Zico plays in an advanced role, acting as an attacking ten who finds pockets of space between the lines. Zico is known for his incredible passing range and ability to orchestrate play. This midfield group works to win the second ball and immediately looks to play through the lines once they regain control.

The attacking front line features a partnership of two forwards, Careca and D. Maradona, who operate as a duo. D. Maradona uses his dribbling style to break lines and create chaos, while Careca acts as a pressing centre-forward to bother the opposition centre-backs. They do not stay static, often dropping deep to link up with Zico or making runs in behind to stretch the defense. The team builds attacks by using the width provided by L. Júnior and J. Herrera to deliver crosses or by playing short from the back to find the feet of the strikers in tight spaces.

This formation offers great compactness when defending in a low block, making it very difficult for opponents to find gaps in the middle. The team also benefits from the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs push high. By using the three central midfielders and the attacking ten, they can often find numerical superiority in the half-spaces to transition from defense to attack with great speed.

This 5-3-2 lineup is a defensive powerhouse that relies on sudden bursts of movement to punish errors. It is best suited for facing teams that commit many players forward and leave massive spaces behind their defensive line.