SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

SL Benfica seeks to control the game through a high press and rapid ball movement using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to pin the opposition back in their own half by staying aggressive and pushing the lines high up the pitch. The system is built to dominate wide areas while keeping a heavy presence in the final third to force mistakes.

Samuel Soares stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. A back three consisting of Tomás, Otamendi, and Carreras provides a solid base to defend against central runs. Otamendi acts as the central anchor, using his aerial strength to clear crosses and his reading of the game to intercept passes. Tomás and Carreras act as wide center backs who step up to close down attackers or cover the space when the wing backs push forward.

The midfield relies on a central duo of Kokçu and Aursnes to control the tempo of the match. Kokçu works to break the lines with his passing range and moves to shield the back three when the team loses possession. Aursnes provides balance by connecting the defense to the attack, often driving forward to support the front line. They are flanked by Leandro and Dahl, who operate as wing backs to provide width and cover the entire length of the flanks.

In the attacking phase, SL Benfica uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. Bruma and Amdouni act as wide attackers who look to cut inside and create chances for the central striker. Belloti leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and make runs into the channels. The forwards press in coordinated waves to prevent the opponent from building play from the back, forcing them into hurried long balls.

One major advantage of this lineup is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Leandro and Dahl. When the wing backs overlap, they create two on one situations against the opposition full backs. Another strength is the numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch when Kokçu and Aursnes step up to join the press. This setup allows the team to transition quickly from a defensive block to a dangerous attacking wave.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed to dominate possession and suffocate opponents through high pressure. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under intense scrutiny.