AZ Football Formation

Starting Lineup

JEROEN (ZOET) · SEIYA (MAIKUMA) · MAXIM (DEKKER) · BILLY (VAN DUIJL) · MEES (DE WIT) · JORDY (CLASIE) · KASPER (BOOGAARD) · MATEJ (SIN) · RO-ZANGELO (DAAL) · IBRAHIM (SADIQ) · MEXX (MEERDINK)

A heavy focus on high pressing and direct attacking defines the lineup of AZ. This 4-3-3 formation seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly into dangerous attacking positions. The team wants to control territory by pushing the opponent back into their own half through constant pressure.

Jeroen stands between the posts to organize the defensive unit. In front of him, a flat back four consists of Seiya at right back and Mees at left back, while Maxim and Billy occupy the central defender roles. Seiya and Mees are tasked to push up the flanks to provide width, often leaving the central pairing to cover the space behind them. Maxim and Billy must stay compact and communicate to prevent runners from breaking the line. The entire defensive unit shifts as a single block to stay tight and prevent gaps between the lines.

The midfield works to dominate the central areas through a mix of roles. Kasper and Jordy sit in the central positions to control the tempo and protect the back four. Kasper drives forward to link play while Jordy holds his position to intercept passes and shield the defense. Matej operates as the attacking midfielder, sitting in the pocket between the opposition midfield and defense to create chances. This group connects the defense to the attack by moving the ball quickly through the middle.

Attacking dominance comes from a front three that spreads the pitch. Ibrahim and Ro-Zangelo act as wide attackers, with Ibrahim looking to cut inside from the left and Ro-Zangelo looking to stretch the defense from the right. Mexx leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and make runs into the channels. These three press in coordination to force turnovers high up the field, creating immediate chances for the team.

AZ finds success through several tactical advantages. The formation allows for wide overloads when Mees and Seiya overlap the wingers to create two on one situations. By using Matej in the hole, the team creates numerical superiority in the final third, often leaving defenders unsure of who to mark. The ability to press high in coordinated waves makes it difficult for opponents to build play from the back.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on aggressive pressing and rapid vertical transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.