Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

HELLSTRÖM (Ronnie) (Sweden) · GUSTAVSSON (Bengt) (Sweden) · JOHANSSON (Åke) (Sweden) · MELLBERG (Olof) (Sweden) · ELARDSSON (Ingemar) (Sweden) · HALVORSEN (Asbjørn) (Norway) · MØLBY (Jan) (Denmark) · LERBY (Søren) (Denmark) · LAUDRUP (Michael) (Denmark) · JENSEN (Henning) (Denmark) · ELKJÆR LARSEN (Preben) (Denmark)

A high press and heavy reliance on vertical transitions define this team, which operates in a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to sit in a mid-block before quickly hitting the opposition once the ball is won. The tactical intent is to squeeze the space in the middle and use the wing backs to stretch the opposition once the team wins it back.

HELLSTRÖM stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The defense functions as a back five with Halvorsen acting as the central anchor to hold the line. Johansson and Gustavsson serve as the wide centre-backs to cover the spaces behind the wing backs. Mellberg and Elardsson play as attacking wing backs, tasked to push high and provide width. When the team drops into a mid-block, the back five stays compact to deny the turn to any incoming attackers.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier to drive the play forward. Lerby and Mølby occupy the central areas to protect the defensive line and win the second ball. Lerby acts as a shield to deny the pivot, while Mølby looks to carry the ball forward into the middle third. Laudrup plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, looking to find the feet of the forwards or arrive late into the box. This group connects the defensive unit to the front line by recycling possession or playing through the lines.

This formation utilizes two forwards in a partnership to stress the opposition centre-backs. Jensen and Elkjær Larsen work together to pin the last defender and make runs in behind. Elkjær Larsen acts as a pressing centre-forward to trigger a press from the front. The attack relies on the wing backs to provide width, allowing Jensen and Elkjær Larsen to stay central and find pockets of space. The team looks to play one-two combinations to break the line and create chances for the strikers in transition.

A major tactical advantage is the ability to create wide overloads when Mellberg and Elardsson overlap the winger. The presence of three central midfielders helps the team win the second ball and maintain compactness when defending. Another strength lies in the speed of transition, as the team can go direct to Jensen or Elkjær Larsen immediately after winning possession. This setup makes the team very difficult to break down in a low block.

This 5-3-2 formation is a defensively solid system designed for teams that want to catch opponents on the break. It is best suited for games against possession based sides that leave space behind their attacking full backs.