Elche Football Formation

Starting Lineup

ALEJANDRO (ITURBE) · RUBÉN (SÁNCHEZ) · ROY (REVIVO) · KEVIN (LOMÓNACO) · BAMBO (DIABY) · FEDERICO (REDONDO) · MARTIM (NETO) · THOMAS (LEMAR) · ALI (HOUARY) · TETE (MORENTE) · FER (NIÑO)

Elche relies on a high press to win the ball back high up the pitch using a 4-3-3. This formation is built to play with verticality, looking to transition quickly once possession is regained. The team seeks to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create space in the middle.

ALEJANDRO acts as the last line of defense for Elche. The defensive unit operates with a flat back four. ROY plays as the left back to provide width, while RUBÉN operates as the right back. In the center, BAMBO and KEVIN form the core of the back line, with BAMBO tasked to cover and KEVIN focusing on winning the second ball. The unit aims to hold a high line to squeeze the space between the lines.

The midfield functions with a three-man midfield with a carrier and an attacking ten. THOMAS plays in the hole as an attacking ten, looking to find space between the opposition lines. FEDERICO and MARTIM operate in the central roles to connect the defensive and attacking lines. FEDERICO works to shield the defense, while MARTIM looks to carry the ball forward. This group works to control the tempo and move the ball from the back to the front line.

The attack features three attackers across the front. TETE plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside, while ALI operates on the right to stretch the defense. FER plays as a lone striker, acting as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line. The team looks to combine in tight spaces to find FER, or use the wide players to get to the byline and deliver crosses. Movements are designed to create runs in behind and allow the wingers to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

One major tactical advantage for Elche is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. The team also finds success by creating wide overloads when the full backs push up to support the wingers. This pressure makes it difficult for opponents to play out from the back.

This 4-3-3 formation is built for a high intensity game where winning the ball high is the priority. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play through a heavy press.