Maccabi Netanya Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Samu (#2) · Konaté (#6) · Feldman (#44) · Cohen / Morozov (#24 / #2) · Jaber / Morozov (#26 / #2) · Aziz (#32) · Niddam (#13) · Levi (#15) · Davó / Hugi (#83 / #11) · Haziza /Abuhazira (#8 / #17) · Bilu (#10)

Maccabi Netanya focuses on a compact defensive unit and quick transitions, utilizing a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting opponents with speed on the break. The system relies on defensive solidity to frustrate opposition attackers and creates opportunities through direct vertical movements once the ball is recovered.

Samu operates between the posts to manage the defensive line. The defensive unit consists of a back five with Aziz sitting as the central anchor. Konaté and Feldman act as the wide centre-backs, with Konaté providing cover on the right side while Feldman holds the left. The wing backs, Cohen or Morozov on the left and Jaber or Morozov on the right, are tasked with providing width and tracking back to support the three central defenders. This arrangement allows the team to maintain a narrow defensive block that is very difficult to play through centrally.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier and supporting runners. Niddam sits in the middle to shield the defence and recycle possession. On either side, Haziza or Abuhazira and Bilu work to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Haziza or Abuhazira provides energy to press in a mid-block, while Bilu looks to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces. This trio must stay close together to avoid being bypassed in the middle of the pitch.

In the attacking phase, Maccabi Netanya employs two forwards in a partnership to stretch the opposition. Levi plays as the left striker, often looking to run in behind the defence. He is joined by Davó or Hugi, who can act as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the opponent's build up. The wing backs, such as Cohen or Jaber, push high to provide width and allow the strikers to stay central. This creates many chances for the forwards to combine in tight spaces or for the wing backs to deliver crosses into the box.

A major tactical strength of this formation is the ability to maintain compactness when defending, making it hard for opponents to find space between the lines. The team also benefits from the speed of transition, using the runners in midfield and the two strikers to exploit gaps left by attacking opponents. By squeezing the space between the midfield and the back five, Maccabi Netanya forces opponents to play wide, where they can be doubled up on.

This 5-3-2 formation is designed for a side that wants to remain hard to beat and strike on the counter. It is best suited for games against possession heavy opponents that leave space behind their high defensive line.