Besiktas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Alexander Nübel (30) · Tiago Djaló (26) · Amir Murillo (30) · Kassoum Ouattara (22) · Leandro Trossard (32) · Dušan Vlahović (26) · Orkun Kökçü (26) · Wilfred Ndidi (30) · Carlos Forbs (22) · Fabio Miretti (23) · Jeff Chabot (25)

Besiktas focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and hit the opposition in behind before they can recover. The team aims to dominate through verticality and rapid attacking movements once they gain control of the ball.

Alexander Nübel acts as the last line of defense, sweeping behind a high line when the team pushes forward. The defensive unit uses a back three consisting of Wilfred Ndidi, Jeff Chabot, and Tiago Djaló. Ndidi provides aerial strength and stability in the middle, while Chabot and Djaló cover the wide areas of the central defense. Amir Murillo operates as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while Kassoum Ouattara plays as an attacking wing back on the left to stretch the opposition. The defensive line works together to squeeze the space and force long balls.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Orkun Kökçü acts as a deep-lying playmaker, looking to find the feet of the striker or switch play to the wings. Fabio Miretti plays alongside him to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often driving forward with the ball to support the front three. This pair must work hard to deny the pivot of the opposition and intercept passes in the middle third. They link the back three to the attack by recycling possession and finding the players in advanced positions.

Besiktas utilizes three attackers to pin the last defender and create chaos. Dušan Vlahović plays as a pressing centre-forward, using his movement to find space and hold up the ball for his teammates. Leandro Trossard operates as an inverted winger on the left, cutting inside to create chances with his passing range and dribbling. Carlos Forbs plays on the right wing to provide pace and stretch the defence. The front three press in pairs from the front to trigger a press, looking to win the ball high up the pitch to launch immediate attacks.

The main tactical advantages of this formation are the wide overloads created by the wing backs and the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using Amir Murillo and Kassoum Ouattara, the team can quickly isolate wide players in one on one situations. The compactness when defending in a mid-block makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the lines.

The Besiktas 5-2-3 is a setup designed for teams that want to punish opponents on the transition. It is best suited for games against sides that play a high defensive line and leave space behind their defenders.