Charleroi Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kepa (Defourny) · Kambwala (Nzita) · Ostigard (Boukamir) · Ousou (Sow) · Camara (Boukamir) · Koch (Titraoui) · Dybala (Romsaas / Descotte) · Karetsas (Gaudin / Pflucke) · Maga (Mcintyre / Rogelj) · Mertens (Nketia) · Declercq (Jovic)

Charleroi aims to play a direct and vertical style of football using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions and physical presence to catch opponents out of position. By utilizing a deep block and looking to hit the opposition on the break, the team looks to use the space left behind a high defensive line.

Kepa sits between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates as a back five with Camara and Koch acting as the central defenders to win the header and clear the lines. Ostigard provides additional cover in the central area to maintain a compact shape. The wide defenders, Ousou as the right wing back and Kambwala as the left wing back, are tasked to spread wide and provide width during attacks. When out of possession, they drop back to form a narrow defensive block that is difficult to penetrate.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative element. Maga and Karetsas occupy the central spaces to protect the middle and win the second ball. Dybala plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find the feet of the striker and play through the lines. This central trio connects the defence and attack by recycling possession and looking for immediate passes to the forwards. Maga and Karetsas must track back to help the defenders and ensure the midfield remains compact.

Charleroi uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Declercq and Mertens operate as a front two, with Mertens often looking to hold up the ball and Mertens using his experience to link play. The wing backs, Ousou and Kambwala, provide the width by making runs to get to the byline. This movement creates opportunities for cutbacks from the byline or crosses to the far post. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition, allowing the back five to engage and intercept.

The formation offers the advantage of being very hard to break down due to the number of players in the central defensive area. Charleroi can create wide overloads when Ousou and Kambwala push forward to support the attackers. The team is also well suited for speed of transition, moving from a deep block to an attacking state in seconds. This setup allows the players to defend zonally while remaining ready to counter at pace.

This 5-3-2 formation creates a very solid defensive base that is difficult to bypass centrally. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their defensive line.