SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Samuel Soares · Amdouni · Tomás (Araújo) · António (Silva) · Kaboré · Beste · Florentino (Luis) · Arthur (Cabral) · Carreras · Aursnes · Rollheiser

Seeking to control the tempo through a high press and quick transitions, SL Benfica employs a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the pitch by using width and pressing in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the field. The tactical identity focuses on using the wings to stretch the opponent while maintaining a solid central core.

Samuel Soares sits between the posts to command his area. The back line consists of a back three made up of António, Tomás, and Florentino. António and Tomás provide physical presence and aerial strength, while Florentino acts as the central ball playing defender to start attacks. On the flanks, Kaboré and Carreras act as wing backs who push high to provide width and deliver crosses. This unit can sit deep in a low block or step up to squeeze the space.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to control the central zone. Aursnes and Rollheiser work to connect the defense to the attack. Aursnes uses his passing range to break the line, while Rollheiser works to press and intercept passes in the middle third. This duo must cover large amounts of ground to prevent counter attacks and ensure the team maintains control when they do not have the ball.

In the attacking third, the team uses three forwards to pin back the opposition defense. Arthur leads the line as a lone striker tasked to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Amdouni operates as a wide attacker on the right, ready to cut inside, while Beste stays wide on the left to create crossing opportunities. These attackers are the first line of the press, forcing defenders into mistakes.

One major advantage for SL Benfica is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Kaboré and Carreras alongside the wingers. This allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations. Another strength is the compactness when defending, as the five defenders and two midfielders can shift easily to block passing lanes and limit space between the lines.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a balanced platform for a high pressing game. It is most effective against teams that play with a high defensive line or those that struggle to handle intense pressure in wide areas.