SL Benfica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Samuel Soares (A. Trubin / D. Ferreira) · Daniel Banjaque (Alexander Bah) · Tomàs Araùjo (A. Circati / J. Fonseca) · Clement Lenglet (G. Índio / J. Wander) · Souffian EI Karouani (J. Neto / S. Dahl) · João Palhinha (E. Barrenechea / M. Silva) · Gianluca Prestiani (D. Lukebakio / T. Gouveia) · Claudio Echeverri (Gonçalo Moreira / Sudakov) · Jakub Kamińsk (A. Schjelderup / J. Umeh) · Jhon Durán (A. Cabral / A. Saidi) · Vangelis Pavlidis (R. Silva / O. Edokpolor)

SL Benfica focus on a direct and vertical style of play using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup aims to squeeze the space between lines and strike quickly once the ball is won. The goal is to use the width provided by the wing backs to stretch the opposition while maintaining a compact block to deny central penetration.

Samuel Soares sits between the lines of defense as the goalkeeper to sweep behind a high line. The back five features João Palhinha as the central figure who dominates in the air and directs the defensive unit. Clement Lenglet acts as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Tomàs Araùjo covers the space to the right. Daniel Banjaque and Souffian EI Karouani function as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and support the transition.

The midfield works as a three man midfield with a carrier to link the defense to the attack. Claudio Echeverri sits in the pivot to shield the defense and intercept passes. Gianluca Prestiani and Jakub Kamińsk operate in the half spaces to connect the lines. Echeverri works to win the ball back high up the pitch, while Prestiani and Kamińsk look to carry the ball forward to drive the team into the final third.

SL Benfica utilizes two forwards in a partnership to lead the press from the front. Jhon Durán and Vangelis Pavlidis work as a duo that combines in tight spaces to create chances. The strikers work to pin the last defender and make runs in behind to exploit any gaps in the opposition line. They often look to hold up the ball to allow the midfield to arrive late into the box or to find the wing backs when they overlap the winger.

The main tactical advantages of this 5-3-2 setup include the ability to create wide overloads from the attacking wing backs and the strength of the central defensive block. By using three central defenders, the team maintains compactness when defending in a mid block. This formation also allows for a very fast speed of transition when the midfielders win the second ball and immediately look to hit in behind on the transition.

This formation provides a heavy defensive presence while remaining dangerous through direct verticality. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and require a solid unit to exploit space on the counter.