Lens Football Formation

Starting Lineup

RISSER (84) · SARR (81) · BAIDOO (79) · MEDINA (81) · UDOL (79) · SANGARE (82) · THOMASSON (81) · GANIOU (76) · SAINT-MAXIMIN (78) · EDOUARD (78) · SIMA (75)

Lens plays a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a high press and use verticality to catch teams out. The identity of Lens centers on winning the ball back quickly and moving it forward through direct passing and rapid runs.

RISSER sits between the three central defenders to sweep up long balls. The back line consists of BAIDOO, MEDINA, and SARR working as a compact unit. SARR and BAIDOO act as the main blockers to stop central runs, while MEDINA covers the space to the left. The wide players UDOL and GANIOU act as wing backs, pushing up to provide width and tracking back to form a five man line when the team sits deep.

The midfield functions as a central block with SANGARE and THOMASSON occupying the central roles. SANGARE works to shield the defense and intercept passes, while THOMASSON drives forward to break the line and connect the defense to the attack. They act as the engine, helping to control the middle of the pitch and allowing the wing backs to push high up the field.

Up front, the team uses three attackers. SAINT-MAXIMIN operates as a wide winger on the left, using his dribbling style to beat players and cut inside. SIMA provides presence on the right wing, while EDOUARD acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and lead the press. This trio works to pin the opposition back and create space in the channels through constant movement.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using the wing backs like GANIOU and UDOL to pin the opposition wide, Lens can create wide overloads. The team also benefits from the speed of transition when the midfield recovers the ball and immediately finds SAINT-MAXIMIN or EDOUARD in space.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for aggressive, high intensity football. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to overwhelm an opponent through width and rapid vertical attacks.