Laval Football Formation

Starting Lineup

SAMASSA (70) · ARADJ (62) · TAVARES (67) · BANE (64) · OUANEH (65) · VARGAS (70) · AÏT ZEFRANE (76) · SELLOUKI (67) · SANNA (69) · MBAYO (67) · TCHOKOUNTE (67)

Laval focuses on a compact defensive block and quick transitions, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting teams in transition. The team aims to stay narrow and hard to break down, waiting for the right moment to exploit spaces left behind an attacking opponent.

Samassa guards the goal as the last line of defense. In front of him, the back five works as a cohesive unit to defend zonally. Bane acts as the central anchor, while Ouaneh and Tavares operate as the wide centre-backs to cover the channels. Vargas and Aradj occupy the wing back roles, providing width when needed but primarily focusing on tracking back to form a deep defensive line. The defenders aim to win the second ball and ensure the opposition cannot find space between the lines.

The midfield operates with a two man central pairing to manage the middle of the pitch. Sanna and Sellouki function as the engine room, tasked with connecting the defense to the attack. Sanna works to shield the defense and disrupt play, while Sellouki seeks to carry the ball forward and progress through the thirds. This duo must be disciplined to avoid leaving the back five exposed, often dropping into a mid-block to compress the space.

Laval employs three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. Tchokounte acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Aït Zefrane and Mbayo operate as wide wingers, looking to cut inside or pull wide to create crossing opportunities. The front three press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. When the team wins the ball, the wingers look to run in behind or receive the ball in space to trigger a rapid break.

One major advantage for Laval is the numerical superiority in the defensive line, making them very difficult to break down in a low block. The wing backs, Vargas and Aradj, also provide the ability to create wide overloads once the team moves into the attacking phase. This formation allows the team to remain compact when defending, making it hard for opponents to play through the middle.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a very solid foundation for teams that prefer to defend deep and strike on the counter. It is best suited for facing dominant teams that push many players forward.