Albania National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Xhimsiti · Al Hajdari · L Rota · M Mitaj · L Avdullahu · G Xhaka · Fisnik Allsani · Brajan Gruda · Xholi · V Muriqi · A Muric

Albania aims to play a direct and vertical game with a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball and quickly hitting the opposition with four players stationed high up the pitch. The goal is to stretch the defence and create chances through quick transitions.

A Muric starts between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four, with L Rota at right back and M Mitaj at left back. Xhimsiti and Al Hajdari act as the two central defenders. Xhimsiti is tasked with being dominant in the air and winning headers, while Al Hajdari covers the space behind him. L Rota and M Mitaj provide width but must track back to prevent being caught out during transitions. The defensive unit aims to hold a line and squeeze the space between the lines.

The midfield consists of a double pivot designed to shield the defence. G Xhaka sits in the left central midfield role, using his passing range to distribute the ball and find runners. Beside him, L Avdullahu operates as the other central midfielder to provide support. G Xhaka often drops deep to help play out from the back and connects the defensive and attacking lines. The pair must work to win the second ball and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

The attacking unit uses two forwards in a partnership alongside two wide players. V Muriqi acts as a target man, holding up the ball to bring others into play. Fisnik Allsani plays alongside him, looking to make runs in behind the defence. Xholi operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and find shooting lanes. On the right, Brajan Gruda provides width and looks to deliver crosses into the box. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

Albania finds success through the speed of transition and the ability to isolate wide players in one on one situations. The presence of V Muriqi allows the team to bypass the midfield and go direct. The formation also creates wide overloads when L Rota and Brajan Gruda push forward together. This high-risk, high-reward setup aims to catch teams off guard when they move forward.

This 4-2-4 formation is built for a team looking to punish opponents on the break. It is best suited for matches where Albania can exploit the space left behind a high defensive line.