SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Samuel Soares · Aursnes (Barreiro) · Leandro (Santos) · Otamendi · Tomás (Araújo) · Amdouni · Dahl · Belloti · Carreras · Kokçu · Bruma

SL Benfica focuses on high pressing and quick verticality through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to squeeze the pitch and force turnovers high up the field to catch opponents out of position. The team seeks to play with intensity, using the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition before breaking lines through the center or out wide.

Samuel Soares stands between the posts to organize the back three. Otamendi acts as the central anchor, using his aerial strength and reading of the game to lead the defense, while Tomas and Carreras cover the left and right channels of the defensive line. These defenders must step up to intercept passes and hold a high line to keep the team compact. The unit works together to stay tight, ensuring that the gaps between the defenders remain small when the opposition tries to play through the middle.

The midfield functions as a central engine room to connect the defense to the attack. Kokçu and Aursnes occupy the central roles, where they work to control the tempo and shield the back three. Kokçu provides a high passing range to switch play, while Aursnes drives forward to link play. On the flanks, Dahl and Leandro act as wing backs, pushing high to provide width and tracking back to help the defenders when possession is lost. This block must remain compact to prevent the opposition from finding space between the lines.

The attacking trio is built to create constant movement and pressure. Belloti plays as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. Bruma and Amdouni operate as wide attackers, with Bruma looking to cut inside and Amdouni using his pace to stretch the backline. These three forwards work to press the opposition defenders immediately, forcing hurried clearances and allowing the midfield to win the ball back in advanced areas.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves with the front three and the wing backs. The presence of Kokçu and Aursnes in the middle allows for numerical superiority when they step up to support the attack. Furthermore, the wide positioning of Dahl and Leandro creates overloads on the flanks, which helps isolate defenders in one on one situations.

SL Benfica uses this 3-4-3 lineup to dominate games through aggressive pressing and wide attacking play. It is a formation best suited for facing teams that play a slow buildup and struggle to handle intense pressure in their own half.