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 team, which utilizes a 5-3-2 formation. The lineup is built to sit in a compact mid-block, waiting to strike when the opponent leaves space behind. This tactical identity relies on being hard to break down while using verticality to catch teams off guard once the ball is won.

S. Tacconi guards the goal as the last line of defense. The defensive unit operates with a back three, featuring Alemão and the captain D. Passarella (C) in the center. D. Passarella (C) provides leadership and is dominant in the air, while Alemão covers the space behind. J. César acts as the right-sided center back to maintain the defensive line. On the flanks, J. Herrera and L. Júnior act as attacking wing backs, tasked with providing width and tracking back to support the central trio. The whole unit works to squeeze the space between the lines to prevent through balls.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative tip. Zico plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, looking to play through the lines and find the forwards. T. Cerezo and Falcão occupy the central roles to shield the defense and win the second ball. Falcão helps to connect the defensive and attacking lines by recycling possession, while T. Cerezo works to drive forward with the ball into the half spaces. This midfield trio aims to compress the midfield area and deny the opponent time on the ball.

In the final third, the team utilizes two forwards in a partnership. Careca and D. Maradona lead the line, with D. Maradona known for his incredible dribbling style and ability to play in tight spaces. Careca acts as a pressing centre-forward to force the opposition back line into mistakes. The attack relies on the movement of the wing backs, J. Herrera and L. Júnior, to provide width and deliver crosses. The forwards look to run in behind or combine in tight spaces to split the defence with a through ball.

This formation offers great compactness when defending and creates wide overloads from overlapping full backs. By using the wing backs, the team can stretch the defence and isolate wide players in one on one situations. The presence of Zico allows for quick transitions from a low block into a direct attack.

This 5-3-2 formation prioritizes a strong defensive block and lethal counter attacks. It is best suited for games against possession based teams that push high up the pitch.