Avaí Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Avaí prioritizes defensive solidity and quick transitions through a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to sit in a mid-block and wait for the opposition to overextend before hitting them on the break. The goal is to deny space in the central areas and use the width of the wing backs to stretch the pitch when they win the ball back.

In front of Nery, the defensive unit employs a back five to protect the central zone. Antony and Chris form the core of the defense, where Chris acts as a dominant presence in the air and Antony covers the space behind him. Duglas plays as the left centre back to provide balance within the three. The wing backs, Meme and Ulices, provide the necessary width, acting as attacking wing backs to push high up the pitch during offensive phases. This unit works to hold a compact shape and squeeze the space between the lines to prevent through balls.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative spark. Elmer and Willians occupy the central roles, where they work to win the second ball and shield the back five. Elmer often drives forward with the ball to transition from defense to attack. Pepe operates as an attacking ten behind the strikers, playing in the pockets of space to connect the midfield to the front line. Pepe looks to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines to find the forwards.

The attacking structure uses two forwards in a partnership to stress the opposition back line. Eduardo acts as a pressing centre-forward to force mistakes high up the pitch, while Alexis plays as a second striker to find pockets of space. They look to exploit runs in behind when the team breaks quickly. The movement of Ulices and Meme allows for overlaps from wide, creating crossing opportunities to find the strikers in the box. Avaí relies on the combination of these four players to create chances in transition.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to compress the midfield and deny central penetration. By using a back five, Avaí maintains numerical superiority in the defensive third. The team also creates wide overloads when Meme and Ulices push forward, often isolating the opposition full backs in one on one situations.

Avaí uses this formation to stay defensively solid and strike with pace. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line.