Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

ANTONIO (SIVERA) · NAHUEL (TENAGLIA) · JONNY (OTTO) · NICOLÁS (VALENTINI) · FACUNDO (GARCÉS) · ANTONIO (BLANCO) · PABLO (IBÁÑEZ) · CARLES (ALEÑÀ) · DENIS (SUÁREZ) · TONI (MARTÍNEZ) · LUCAS (BOYÉ)

Alavés relies on a direct and vertical style of play using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to hit the opposition with speed and intensity, aiming to overwhelm the defense through high numbers in the attacking third. The goal is to win the ball and quickly transition to force the opponent into mistakes.

In goal, ANTONIO acts as the last line of defense. The back line functions as a flat back four to maintain a compact shape. NICOLÁS and FACUNDO operate as central defenders, where they must focus on defending zonally and clearing the lines when under pressure. On the flanks, NAHUEL and JONNY act as full backs who must balance their duties, often pushing up to support the attack while being ready to track back and cover the wide areas. This unit works to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from finding easy passing lanes.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to provide a platform for the rest of the team. ANTONIO and PABLO sit in front of the defense to shield the back four and win the second ball. One of these players must be ready to drop between the centre-backs to receive the ball, while the other focuses on pressing aggressively to win it back high up the pitch. This pairing connects the defensive line to the front four, ensuring the team can progress through the thirds without leaving the defense completely exposed.

Alavés utilizes four attackers to stretch the defense. LUCAS and TONI lead the line as a duo of centre-forwards, often looking to find the feet of the striker or knock it in behind the defensive line. DENIS and CARLES operate as wide wingers, with the intent to cut inside and create goalscoring opportunities or stay wide to spread the defense. The front line is tasked to press from the front, forcing the opponent to play long balls and allowing the defensive unit to recover possession.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, particularly the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs push high. By committing four players to the attack, Alavés can pin the last defender and create one on one situations for the wingers. The double pivot in midfield also allows for quick transitions, enabling the team to break quickly once the ball is recovered in the middle third.

This 4-2-4 lineup is designed for aggressive, high tempo football that targets the opposition through direct verticality. It is best suited for matches where Alavés can exploit space behind a high defensive line or catch an opponent out of position during a fast break.