Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1. Sivera
14. Tenaglia
16. Koski
17. Jonny
7. Angel
21. Rebbach
19. Pablo Ibañez
8. Blanco
18. Rodriguez
15. Boye
11. Toni

Alavés aims to dominate the center of the pitch and win the second ball through a high press in a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup relies on winning possession back quickly to launch direct attacks. The team looks to play through the thirds by using a crowded midfield to control the tempo of the game.

Sivera sits between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back three consists of Tenaglia, Koski, and Jonny, who form a compact unit when defending zonally. Tenaglia and Jonny act as wide centre-backs to cover the space when the wingers push forward, while Koski holds the line as the central defender. This unit works to squeeze the space between the defense and midfield, ensuring they stay compact to deny the turn to opposition attackers.

The midfield functions as a five man block with a three man core of Pablo Ibañez, Angel, and Rebbach. Pablo Ibañez acts as the anchor to shield the defense, while Angel and Rebbach work to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Rodriguez and Blanco operate in the half spaces as attacking midfielders who press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch. They are tasked to carry the ball forward and create passing lanes for the strikers.

Alavés uses two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defense. Toni and Boye operate as the front line, often working in combinations to break the line. Toni often looks to find the feet of the striker or play with his back to goal, while Boye makes runs in behind to exploit gaps in the opposition back line. The attackers press from the front to force a long ball, allowing the defenders to win the header and recycle possession.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create numerical superiority in midfield, making it difficult for opponents to play through the center. The team also benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the attacking midfielders and forwards to squeeze the opposition. This creates a sense of pressure that forces mistakes in the opponent's build up.

Alavés uses this 3-5-2 to suffocate opponents in the middle of the park. This formation is best suited for games against teams that try to play short from the back and rely on central passing lanes.