Maccabi Netanya Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Samu (#2) · Konaté (#6) · Feldman (#44) · Cohen (#24) · Jaber (#26) · Aziz (#32) · Zaarura (#16) · Levi (#15) · Davó (#83) · Haziza (#8) · Bilu (#10)Maccabi Netanya focuses on a compact defensive block and quick transitions using a 5-3-2. This formation is built to sit deep and soak up pressure before hitting the opposition on the break. By clogging the middle of the pitch, the team aims to force opponents wide and rely on the speed of the forwards to exploit space.
Samu stays between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit works as a back three with Aziz acting as the central anchor to command the area. Konaté plays as the right centre back to provide cover, while Feldman operates on the left as the other centre back. Jaber works as a right wing back to provide width and cover the flank, whereas Cohen acts as the left wing back to help in both boxes. This system relies on the defenders to hold the line and stay narrow to deny central entries.
The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier. Levi acts as the central presence to shield the defence and win the second ball. Bilu and Haziza operate in the half-spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Bilu looks to carry the ball forward into the transition, while Haziza works to recycle possession and press aggressively to win the ball back high up the pitch. This unit is responsible for compressing the midfield and preventing the opposition from playing through the lines.
Maccabi Netanya uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Davó and Zaarura act as the primary threats in transition. Davó often works to hold up the ball and link up play with the advancing midfielders, while Zaarura looks to make runs in behind the defence to exploit the space left by the opposition. The wing backs, Jaber and Cohen, are expected to provide width and deliver crosses into the box once the team moves into the attacking third.
One major advantage is the compactness when defending, as the five defenders and three midfielders create a very difficult block to break down. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Jaber and Cohen push up to support the attack. This creates situations where the two strikers can receive service from different angles, making the transition from a deep block to an attacking phase very difficult to track.
This 5-3-2 formation provides Maccabi Netanya with a reliable way to remain defensively solid. It is best suited for games against dominant teams where the goal is to sit deep and counter at pace.