Al-Ahli (KSA) Football Formation

Starting Lineup

E. Mendy (Al-Sanbi) · F. Mendy* (Hawsawi[Dams]) · Demiral (Hamed) · Ibañez (Sulaiman) · Molina* (Majrashi) · Kessié (Aljohani) · Millot (Pirani*) · Olmo* (Edoa[Al-Muwallad]) · Vini. Jr* (Galeno[Gonçalves]) · Toney (Jackson*[Al-Buraikan]) · Mahrez (Ronald*[Al-Shamat])

Al-Ahli (KSA) looks to play with high intensity and verticality through a 5-2-3. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly when the opposition loses control. The formation allows the team to remain solid in the middle while providing plenty of outlets for breaking the lines through wide areas.

E. Mendy guards the goal as the defensive unit sits in a back five. Ibañez acts as a right centre-back to cover space, while Demiral and Kessié occupy the central slots to defend zonally and win the header. The wide defenders F. Mendy and Molina provide the necessary width. F. Mendy and Molina are expected to push up and overlap the wingers, while also tracking back to form a compact block when the team sits deep. The back five functions as a wall to prevent through balls and force the opposition wide.

The midfield is a double pivot tasked with managing the transition between defence and attack. Olmo and Millot must control the center of the pitch to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. Olmo works to carry the ball forward and connect with the front three, while Millot helps to shield the back five and recycle possession. These two midfielders are responsible for pressing in a mid-block and intercepting passes to trigger an immediate attack.

The attacking front line consists of three players designed to stretch the defence. Vini. Jr and Mahrez operate as wide wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. Vini. Jr uses his dribbling style to beat defenders on the flank, while Mahrez looks to play through the lines with his passing range. Toney acts as the lone striker and target man to hold up the ball and battle with central defenders. This front three presses from the front to force a long ball and create opportunities for the wide players to attack the near post or far post.

Al-Ahli (KSA) gains a clear advantage through the wide overloads provided by Molina and F. Mendy. By pushing the wing backs high, the team creates space for Vini. Jr and Mahrez to operate in the half spaces. The formation also offers compactness when defending because the back five and the two midfielders can squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch. This makes it very difficult for opponents to find time on the ball in the final third.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a strong balance between defensive stability and rapid offensive transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with high defensive lines and can be caught on the break.