Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sivera · Jonny Otto · Jon Pacheco · Protesoni · Tenaglia · Carles Alena · Pablo Ibanez · Antonio Blanco · Carlos Vicente · Toni Martinez · Lucas Boye

High pressing and quick verticality define the identity of Alavés in this 4-4-2 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and push directly toward the goal with minimal passes. By staying compact, the team intends to squeeze the space between the lines and force turnovers in dangerous areas.

Sivera stands between the posts to organize the defensive unit. A flat back four forms the foundation, with Jon Pacheco and Protesoni acting as the central defenders. Pacheco provides cover while Protesoni handles more direct physical duels. On the flanks, Tenaglia and Jonny Otto hold their positions to maintain a solid defensive block, though they can push up to support the wide midfielders when the ball moves forward.

The midfield operates in two banks of four to control the center of the pitch. Antonio Blanco sits in front of the defense as a single pivot to intercept passes and shield the back four. Pablo Ibanez and Carles Alena work to connect the defense to the attack, with Alena often looking to shift the play wide. Carlos Vicente operates on the right side of the midfield, looking to drive forward and link play with the attackers.

Two strikers lead the line to put constant pressure on the opposition center backs. Lucas Boye and Toni Martinez function as the front two, often working to hold up the ball and allow the midfield to step up. They press in tandem to force mistakes, while their movements create space for the wide players to cut inside. This attacking unit relies on quick combinations to break the defensive line.

A major advantage of this Alavés formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The two forwards and the four midfielders can squeeze an opponent into a low block, creating numerical superiority in the middle. Additionally, the team can quickly switch play to the flanks, allowing Tenaglia or Jonny Otto to overlap and provide crosses into the box for the strikers.

This 4-4-2 formation prioritizes defensive compactness and rapid transitions. It is best suited for matches against possession based teams where Alavés can exploit space behind a high defensive line.