Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sivera (Raúl) · Tenaglia (Otto/Perez) · Garces (Tenaglia) · Pacheco (Protesoni) · Jonny Otto (Yusi/Parada) · Blanco (Guevara) · Pablo Ibañez (Aleña/Guridi) · Denis Suarez (Calebe/Perez) · Aleña (Rebbach) · Toni Martinez (Mariano) · Lucas Boyé (Aitor Mañas)

High pressing and rapid transitions define the tactical identity of Alavés in their 4-5-1 formation. This lineup aims to disrupt the opponent in their own half and quickly move the ball toward the target man. By using a compact block, the team seeks to win the ball back through intense pressure and use the verticality of the midfield to catch defenses before they can reset.

Sivera sits between the posts to manage the defensive line. A flat back four provides the foundation, with Tenaglia and Jonny Otto occupying the wide areas. Tenaglia acts as a reliable defender to cover the flank, while Jonny Otto is expected to overlap to provide width in the attacking phase. In the center, Garces and Pacheco work to defend the box, focusing on aerial strength and intercepting long balls to maintain the team's defensive integrity.

The midfield consists of a double pivot to protect the center of the pitch. Pablo Ibañez and Blanco sit deep to shield the back four and intercept passes. Ahead of them, Aleña and Denis Suarez operate in the half spaces to connect the defensive unit with the attack. Denis Suarez uses his passing range to break the line, while Aleña pushes into pockets of space to drive the ball forward. Lucas Boyé operates as an attacking midfielder, playing just behind the striker to link the play and press the opposition holding midfielders.

Toni Martinez leads the line as a lone striker, tasked with holding up the ball to bring others into the game. The attack relies on the movement of Lucas Boyé to create space in the central areas. When the team wins possession, the wingers or wide midfielders push high to stretch the opposition, while Toni Martinez makes runs to exploit gaps in the defensive line. The formation creates a constant battle between the lone striker and the opposing central defenders.

Alavés gains a significant advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. The midfield five can shift quickly to block passing lanes and create numerical superiority in the center. Another strength is the speed of transition, as the team can move from a defensive block to an attacking phase in seconds using the direct passing of Denis Suarez and Aleña.

This 4-5-1 formation prioritizes defensive compactness and rapid verticality. It is best suited for matches against possession based teams where Alavés can sit deep and strike on the break.