Custom Team Football Formation

Creation DateAugust 24, 2026

Starting Lineup

Schrijvers · Silooy · Rijkaard · Ophof · Boeve · Schoenaker · Lerby · Cruyff · Van't Schip · Olsen · Kieft

A high press and rapid transition style defines this team, playing a 5-2-3 formation. The lineup focuses on aggressive ball recovery and quick verticality to catch opponents out of position. By using five defenders, the team can absorb pressure before launching attacks through wide areas or central combinations.

Schrijvers plays between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit utilizes a back three consisting of Schoenaker, Ophof, and Rijkaard. Schoenaker acts as the central anchor to sweep behind the line, while Ophof and Rijkaard cover the half spaces. The wide defenders, Silooy and Boeve, operate as attacking wing backs to provide width and stretch the opposition. They must track back to form a five man block when defending deep, ensuring they protect the space behind them.

The midfield functions as a double pivot with Lerby and Cruyff. These two players must work hard to cover the central zones and connect the defense to the forward line. Cruyff acts as a driver to carry the ball forward, while Lerby works to shield the back three and win the second ball. They are tasked to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch, using their presence to disrupt the opponent's build up play.

In the attacking phase, the team employs three attackers. Kieft operates as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Olsen and Van't Schip act as wide wingers who hug the touchline to pull defenders apart. This creates room for Silooy and Boeve to overlap the winger and deliver crosses into the box. The front three work in unison to press the opposition back line, looking to win it back high and hit in behind on the transition.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, forcing the opponent into mistakes. The wide overloads created by the wing backs and wingers allow the team to dominate the flanks. Additionally, the back three provides compactness when defending in a mid block, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle.

This formation is built for teams that want to dominate through intense pressing and wide attacks. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.