PAOK Football Formation

Starting Lineup

kotarski · koulierakis · crespo · vieirinha · baba · pablo garcia · koudas · konstantelias · zivkovic · taison · prijovic

PAOK focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and use the verticality of the attackers to punish opponents before they can settle. The goal is to squeeze the space in the final third and use the wide areas to stretch the opposition defence.

Kotarski plays behind a back four that works to maintain a high line. Koulierakis and Crespo act as the central defenders, where Koulierakis uses his aerial strength to win headers and Crespo covers the space behind. Vieirinha plays as an attacking full back on the right to provide width, while Baba operates on the left. The defensive unit functions by staying compact and shifting together to close down passing lanes.

The midfield operates with a three man unit that connects the lines. Pablo Garcia sits deep to shield the defence and recycle possession, allowing the others to push higher. Konstantelias acts as a carrier in the right channel to drive forward with the ball, while Koudas plays as an attacking ten behind the striker to find pockets of space. This group works to compress the midfield and win the second ball to keep the pressure on.

PAOK employs three attackers across the front to drive the offensive movement. Taison plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create chances, while Zivkovic stays wide on the right to provide service. Prijovic acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. The front line is designed to press from the front, forcing long balls and creating runs in behind through quick combinations.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for PAOK. The team can create wide overloads when Vieirinha overlaps the winger, forcing the opposition to shift constantly. There is also a significant ability to press in coordinated waves, with the forwards and midfielders triggering a press to win it back high up the pitch. These movements allow the team to break quickly when the ball is recovered.

The 4-3-3 formation provides a balanced mix of defensive solidity and attacking intent. It is best suited for matches against teams that try to play out from the back and leave space behind their midfield.