Custom Team Football Formation

Creation DateFebruary 5, 2026

Starting Lineup

Thiago (Brentford) · Doku (Man City) · Gordon (Newcastle) · Paqueta (West Ham) · Xhaka (Sunderland) · Rice (Arsenal) · Netz (Nottm Forest) · Kerkez (Liverpool) · Van de Ven (Tottenham) · De ligt (Man Utd) · Verbruggen (Brighton)

A high press and aggressive verticality define this 4-3-3 formation. The team seeks to win it back high up the pitch and move quickly toward the goal once the ball is recovered. This lineup is built to play direct and heavy football, using energy to unsettle opponents in their own half.

Verbruggen acts as the last line of defense, playing short from the back to initiate attacks. The back four operates as a high line, with Van de Ven using his recovery speed to cover ground while De Ligt acts as a dominant ball playing defender. Kerkez and Netz act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width, while the central pair must be ready to step up and squeeze the space in front of them. The defensive unit functions to keep the team compact while the full backs occupy the wide areas.

The midfield works as a three man midfield with a carrier and a creative spark. Rice works to shield the defense and win the second ball, while Xhaka acts as a deep lying playmaker who can recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. Paqueta operates as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to play through the lines and connect the defensive and attacking units. This group is responsible for controlling the tempo and ensuring the team can progress through the thirds with passing.

The front line utilizes three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. Thiago acts as a lone striker who can hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. On the flanks, Gordon and Doku operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to create chances or isolate a one on one wide. The wingers press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. This attack relies on quick combinations and runs in behind to catch the back line off guard.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The team can create wide overloads from overlapping full backs when Kerkez and Netz push up. There is also a high ability to press high in coordinated waves because of the intensity of Gordon and Doku. The midfield provides strength in central areas, allowing the team to win the second ball and maintain control during transitions.

This 4-3-3 formation is built on high intensity and rapid transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or struggle to handle constant pressure in their own half.