Santos Football Formation

Starting Lineup

77- G. Brazão
18- Igor V.
4- Lucas V.
14- Luan Peres
16- Douglas S.*
28- C. Oliva
48- G. Henrique
10- Neymar
9- Gabigol
32- B. Rollheiser
19- B. Rodríguez*

Santos prefers to play a high press and heavy vertical game using a 4-5-1 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move the play forward as quickly as possible to catch the opponent out of position. By using this setup, the team looks to create chaos in the opposition half and use the individual talent of their central players to split the defence.

G. Brazão stays between the posts to command the area. The back line operates as a flat back four with Igor V. and Douglas S. acting as full backs to provide width. Luan Peres and Lucas V. act as the central defenders, where Luan Peres uses his aerial strength to win headers and Lucas V. provides cover. The defensive unit works to stay compact and shift together to deny space in the middle, forcing the play wide.

The midfield uses a three-man midfield with a carrier and a holding presence. G. Henrique acts as the single pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. C. Oliva sits next to him to help recycle possession and protect the back four. Further up, B. Rodríguez* and B. Rollheiser act as the link between the defensive and attacking lines, with B. Rodríguez* looking to carry the ball forward. Neymar plays in the hole as a creative force with his famous dribbling style and passing range to create chances.

Gabigol acts as a lone striker and serves as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition defenders. The attack relies on the link-up play between the lines, specifically from Neymar to Gabigol. The wingers or wide midfielders must track back to help the full backs while also looking to run in behind. This formation is designed to create runs in behind and allow the wide players to get to the byline and whip it in for the striker.

A major advantage for Santos is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, which puts immediate pressure on the opposing build up. Another strength is the creativity in the middle, as the combination of Neymar and the surrounding midfielders allows the team to find the feet of the striker in tight spaces. The team can also switch play quickly to exploit the width provided by Igor V. and Douglas S.

This 4-5-1 formation relies on winning the ball high and using quick transitions to punish the opponent. It is best suited for games against teams that try to play out from the back and leave space behind their midfield.