Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

A high press and rapid transitions define the way Alavés play in their 3-4-3 formation. This lineup seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can settle. The goal is to use wide areas to stretch the opposition and create space in the middle for runners to exploit.

Mateo sits between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back three consists of Hugo, Samu, and Félix who work to maintain a high line to compress the space. Hugo acts as the central anchor, while Samu and Félix cover the wide channels. When the team loses the ball, they look to squeeze the space and press from the front immediately. The three defenders must be ready to step up and play out from the back to start attacks.

The midfield operates with a central pairing and two wide players to control the flanks. Álvaro and Rober/Álex occupy the central roles, with Álvaro looking to drive forward with the ball while Rober/Álex provides stability. This duo connects the defense to the front three by recycling possession and playing through the lines. Gabri and Raúl act as wide midfielders, providing width and helping to win the ball back high up the pitch. They must track back to support the defenders when the team is under pressure.

In the final third, Alavés uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Richi acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line and hold up the ball. Mario and Isma operate as wide attackers, with Mario cutting inside to find space and Isma looking to isolate defenders one on one. This attacking unit works in combinations to create runs in behind or deliver crosses into the box. They aim to exploit the half-spaces through quick passing and movement.

This formation offers Alavés several tactical advantages. The presence of three central defenders allows for better coverage when the wide midfielders push high. Having three attackers creates constant pressure on the opposition defense and can lead to wide overloads when Gabri or Raúl overlap their wingers. The setup also allows for a coordinated high press to win the ball back in dangerous areas.

Alavés relies on this aggressive 3-4-3 to dominate games through intensity and width. It is a formation best suited for facing teams that struggle with high pressing or leave space behind their defensive line.