Como Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Valle · Caqueret · Ramón · Dossena · Perrone · Ricci · Douvikas · Baturina · Paz · Da Cunha · R. SánchezComo looks to control games through a direct and vertical style of play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions and heavy pressure to catch opponents out of position. The tactical identity centers on winning the ball back in high areas and moving the ball forward with speed to exploit gaps behind the opposition.
R. Sánchez sits behind a back five that provides both stability and width. Perrone acts as the central anchor in the defense, while Dossena and Ramón operate as the wide centre-backs in a staggered defensive line. Ramón covers the left flank while Dossena holds the right, providing depth to the back unit. Caqueret and Valle act as attacking wing backs to provide width, pushing high up the pitch to overlap during the attacking phase. This defensive unit can shift into a mid-block to squeeze the space or push a high line to keep the play in the opposition half.
The midfield operates as a double pivot consisting of Da Cunha and Ricci. These two players work to control the center of the pitch and connect the defense to the front three. Ricci and Da Cunha must work to win the second ball and protect the space in front of the back five. They are responsible for recycling possession and finding the wide players quickly. When the team loses the ball, they must immediately press to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.
In the final third, Como utilizes three attackers to pin the last defender. Douvikas plays as a lone striker, acting as a focal point to hold up the ball and link up with others. Baturina and Paz operate as wide attackers, with Baturina cutting inside from the left and Paz looking to create chances from the right. The team looks to hit in behind on the transition, using the movement of Baturina and Paz to stretch the defense. This front line is designed to create runs in behind and deliver crosses from the wide areas.
One major advantage for Como is the ability to create wide overloads when Valle and Caqueret push forward to join the attackers. This forces the opposition to defend more space and can isolate Paz or Baturina in one on one situations. Additionally, the five man defensive line provides great compactness when defending, making it very difficult for opponents to find space centrally. The speed of transition between the double pivot and the front three allows the team to catch opponents while they are out of position.
This 5-2-3 formation allows Como to be both defensively solid and dangerous on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with high defensive lines and leave space behind their defenders.