Algeria National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Gouiri · Mahrez · Amoura · Hadj Moussa · Bentaleb · Aouar · Belghali · Aït-Nouri · Bensebaini · Mandi · Zidane

Algeria prioritizes a high press and uses a 2-5-3. This formation is built to pin the opposition back and dominate through high volume in the attacking third. The lineup is designed to win the ball back high up the pitch and exploit gaps quickly through direct passing.

Zidane operates as the goalkeeper. Mandi and Bensebaini form a narrow two man back line that often plays a high line to squeeze the space. Mandi uses his aerial strength to win the header and clear the lines, while Bensebaini acts to cover the space behind when the team pushes up. The two defenders must stay compact to prevent being split by a through ball.

The midfield is a five man unit meant to control the center of the pitch. Belghali works as a single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Aït-Nouri and Bentaleb act to press the opposition in a mid-block to squeeze the space. Aouar is the carrier who drives forward with the ball to link the defensive and attacking lines. Mahrez operates as an attacking ten to find space, using his passing range to play through the lines to the forwards.

Up front, Gouiri acts as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of the striker. Amoura and Hadj Moussa act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create constant pressure. They look to pull wide to stretch the defence before cutting in to play a one-two. This movement is designed to create runs in behind and allows Mahrez to deliver early balls or whip it in to the far post to find the attackers.

A major strength of this Algeria lineup is the numerical superiority in midfield. Having five players allows them to compress the midfield and deny the turn to opposition players. They can also press in coordinated waves to win the ball high up the pitch. The combination of the wingers and the attacking ten allows them to combine in tight spaces to break the line and transition quickly.

This 2-5-3 formation is a high intensity system built to suffocate opponents. It is best suited for games where the team needs to pin the opponent in their own half and play through the lines.