Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Rossi (Flamengo) · Gómez (Palmeiras) · Kannemann (Grêmio) · Varela (Flamengo) · Bernabei (Internacional) · de Arrascaeta (Flamengo) · Erick Pulgar (Flamengo) · Medina (Botafogo) · Carbonero (Internacional) · Kevin Serna (Fluminense) · Calleri (São Paulo)

A high press and heavy emphasis on winning the second ball defines this team, which operates in a 4-5-1 formation. The lineup aims to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch while using the wide areas to stretch the opposition. This setup is built to play a vertical game where the team looks to win it back high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition.

Rossi sits between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit works as a flat back four, with Varela acting as an attacking full back to provide width on the right. On the left, Bernabei is tasked to overlap the winger and push high. In the center, Gómez acts as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Kannemann provides aerial strength and covers the space behind the advancing full backs. The unit stays compact to deny the turn to opposing attackers.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier and two creative outlets. Medina acts as a single pivot to shield the defense and win the second ball. Beside him, Erick Pulgar sits deep to protect the center and recycle possession. de Arrascaeta operates in the hole to connect the defensive and attacking lines, looking to play through the lines with his passing range. To provide more width, Kevin Serna and Carbonero operate in the half spaces to stretch the defense and create chances.

The attack relies on a lone striker, Calleri, who acts as a target man to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. He works to find the feet of the striker when the team builds in triangles. Kevin Serna and Carbonero push up to support him, often cutting inside to create numerical superiority. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition, allowing the midfield to intercept and launch a quick break. Calleri often tries to win the header to lay it off to the runners.

This formation offers great stability in the middle of the pitch due to the presence of Medina and Erick Pulgar. The team can also create wide overloads when Bernabei and Carbonero move forward together. The ability to press in a mid-block allows the team to stay compact and force the opponent wide. These strengths allow the team to transition from defense to attack with significant speed.

This 4-5-1 lineup is a compact system designed to control the center of the pitch and strike on the break. It is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession but struggle with high intensity pressing.