Atlético Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Grimaldo · M. Llorente · Hancko · Romero · Hjulmand · Koke · Le Normand · Sørloth · Lookman · J. Alvarez · Oblak

Atlético prioritize a direct and hard pressing identity through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and transition into attack with verticality. The team looks to squeeze the space in the middle of the park while using wide players to stretch the opposition.

Oblak sits behind a back three to guard the goal. Hancko acts as the left centre-back, while Le Normand plays as the right centre-back to provide aerial strength and cover. Romero operates in the middle of the defensive line, often stepping up to intercept passes. This unit can drop into a low block when necessary or hold a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield utilizes a double pivot with Hjulmand and Koke working to control the center. Koke, the captain, connects the defensive and attacking lines and uses his passing range to find teammates. Hjulmand acts as the shield for the defense, working to win the second ball and disrupt the opponent. Grimaldo and M. Llorente operate in wide roles, pushing up to overlap the attackers and provide width in the final third.

In the attacking phase, Sørloth acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win headers. Lookman plays as a wide winger on the left, looking to cut inside and attack the near post. J. Alvarez operates on the right side, ready to make runs in behind the defense. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball and win possession back quickly.

One major advantage for Atlético is the ability to create wide overloads when Grimaldo and M. Llorente push forward. This creates a numerical superiority in the attacking half. Another strength is the compactness when defending, as the midfield and back three squeeze the space to deny the turn to opponents.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for high intensity and rapid transitions. It is best suited for facing teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defense.