Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

SANTOS · DANTAS · ARTHUR (DIAS) · JUAN FELIPE (AGUIRRE) · GASTÓN (BENAVÍDEZ) · STIVEN (MENDOZA) · LUIZ (GUSTAVO) · JUAN (PORTILLA) · JÁDSON · KEVIN (VIVEROS) · LEOZINHO

Athlético Paranaense relies on a high press and quick transitions to disrupt opponents using a 3-5-2. This lineup seeks to control the central areas of the pitch while using wide players to stretch the opposition. The goal is to win the ball back high up the pitch and immediately look to play through the lines to catch the defense out of position.

Santos acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back line consists of a narrow defensive block featuring three central defenders. Arthur sits in the middle of the trio to provide cover, while Dantas and Juan Felipe operate as the wide center-backs. Dantas and Juan Felipe are tasked with covering the space when the wing backs push forward, while Arthur works to win the second ball and clear the lines. The unit functions to stay compact and deny the turn to oncoming attackers.

The midfield functions with a single pivot and two central midfielders supported by wide players. Luiz sits in front of the defense to shield the back three and recycle possession. In the half spaces, Jádson and Juan operate as the central engine, with Jádson looking to connect the defensive and attacking lines while Juan drives forward with the ball. Gastón and Stiven occupy the wide areas, acting as wing backs who provide the width for Athlético Paranaense. They are expected to track back to help the defense and then overlap the midfielders to create extra passing lanes.

Athlético Paranaense employs two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. Kevin and Leozinho operate as the front two, often looking to run in behind the defenders. Leozinho works to hold up the ball and lay it off to the oncoming midfielders, while Kevin searches for gaps to exploit with his pace. The team builds the attack by spreading wide through Gastón and Stiven, which forces the opposition to pull defenders out of the center. This creates space for Jádson or Juan to arrive late into the box and finish chances.

This formation offers significant advantages in terms of central control and width. By having five players in the middle bank, the team can create numerical superiority in midfield to dominate possession. The presence of Gastón and Stiven allows for wide overloads when they overlap the central midfielders, making it difficult for the opposition to defend the flanks. The setup also allows for a very compact shape when the team drops into a mid-block to defend.

The 3-5-2 formation provides a strong balance between central density and wide coverage. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a narrow midfield and struggle to deal with high pressing waves.