Serbia National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Rajković · Terzić · Pavlović · Bukinac · Nedeljković · Milenković · Kostić · Milinković-Savić · Mitrović · Ratkov · Jović

To stay defensively solid and strike with speed on the break, Serbia uses a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and use the strength of the players in the final third.

Rajković stays in goal to command the area. The defense operates in a back five that can shift into a narrow defensive block. Pavlović and Bukinac sit in the middle to win the header and cover the central zone. Terzić plays as a left centre back to help defend the space behind the wing back. Milenković and Nedeljković act as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width. They work together to keep the formation compact and deny the turn to opposition strikers.

The midfield consists of a double pivot. Milinković-Savić and Kostić work to control the center of the pitch. Milinković-Savić uses his physicality to win the second ball and drive the team forward. Kostić helps to recycle possession and is known for his crossing ability when he finds space. This duo must shield the defence and pick up runners from deep. They link the back five to the front three by playing through the lines.

Up front, the team uses a lone striker in Mitrović. Mitrović plays as a target man and uses his aerial strength to hold up the ball. Jović and Ratkov play as wide attackers to support him. Jović likes to cut inside to create space for the wing backs. Ratkov works to stretch the defence by making runs in behind. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball. The attack often comes through crosses from the flanks or quick transitions to isolate Mitrović in one on one situations.

A main advantage for Serbia is the ability to play in a low block and remain hard to beat. The presence of Milenković and Nedeljković allows for wide overloads when the team moves into the attacking third. This creates chances to whip it in to the box. The team also excels at winning the second ball in the middle of the pitch to start a quick counter at pace.

The 5-2-3 formation is a reliable way to remain compact and hard to beat. It is best suited for games against high pressing teams where Serbia can defend deep and hit in behind on the transition.