Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

J. BALLESTER (71) · A. RAMÍREZ (74) · K. TSUCHIDA (74) · J. ALLMAN (72) · R. SELMER (75) · S. RADIĆ (71) · R. DIJKGRAAF (73) · A. COSMIN (79) · LUIZINHO M. (74) · J. SOROKIN (82) · J. CORDIER (75)

Alavés aims to play with a high press and verticality using a 4-3-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and break the lines quickly to catch the opposition off guard. The team relies on aggressive movement and rapid transitions to create scoring chances.

J. Ballester sits between the posts to organize the defense. The lineup features a flat back four where A. Ramírez acts as a right back to provide width and K. Tsuchida plays as a left back to cover the flank. In the center, J. Allman and R. Selmer form a central pair tasked with defending zonally and winning the second ball. Allman and Selmer must stay connected to hold the line and prevent runs in behind.

The midfield operates with a three-man midfield with a carrier to control the central zone. S. Radić works to shield the defense and win the ball back, while R. Dijkgraaf acts as the link who can carry the ball forward into the final third. A. Cosmin plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find space between the lines and deliver the final pass. This trio works to compress the midfield and ensure the team remains compact when the opposition has the ball.

Alavés utilizes three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. J. Cordier acts as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create space, while Luizinho M. stays wide on the right to deliver crosses. J. Sorokin leads the line as a pressing centre-forward, tasked to pin the last defender and harass the opposition center backs. The front three press from the front to force a long ball and allow the midfield to step up and intercept.

One major advantage for Alavés is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, which can force turnovers in dangerous areas. The formation also allows for wide overloads when the full backs push up to support the wingers. This creates numerical superiority in the attacking third and makes it difficult for the opposition to defend the wide areas.

This 4-3-3 setup is designed for a side that wants to dominate through intensity and quick vertical play. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and struggle to deal with rapid transitions.