Maccabi Petach-Tikva Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Hazan (53) · Owusu (9) · Soumah (21) · Deznet (26) · Cohen (20) · Korrea (44) · Dadia / Tibi (30 / 18) · Salem (17) · Rakonjac / Cortés (97 / 77) · Erlich (97) · Spence / Lugassy / Koren (7 / 10 / 27)

Maccabi Petach-Tikva focuses on a direct and vertical style of play through a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup is built to strike quickly in transition and use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition. The team looks to win the ball in central areas and push it forward immediately to catch the defense out of position.

Erlich plays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. A flat back four provides the foundation for the defense, with Deznet acting as the right back to cover the flank. Salem operates on the left as the left back, ready to overlap when the team moves into the attacking half. In the center, Korrea and Dadia work together to hold the line and defend zonally. Tibi is available to provide cover if the defensive line needs to step up to squeeze the space.

The midfield operates in two banks of four to maintain a compact shape. Cohen and Soumah form the central pairing, where they work to win the second ball and connect the defense to the attack. Cohen drives forward to carry the ball into the middle third, while Soumah works to shield the defense and recycle possession. On the flanks, Owusu plays as the right midfielder to provide width, while Spence, Lugassy, or Koren take the left midfielder role to help the team press in a mid-block.

Maccabi Petach-Tikva utilizes two forwards to lead the line in a partnership. Hazan plays as a left striker, often looking to find the feet of the striker or make runs in behind the defense. Rakonjac or Cortés operates as the right striker, acting as a target man to hold up the ball and allow others to join the attack. This duo works to pin the last defender, creating space for the midfielders to arrive late into the box. The wingers look to deliver early crosses or cut back the ball to the strikers.

A major strength of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs join the attack. The team can also transition very quickly, moving from a defensive block to an attacking phase in seconds. By using two strikers, Maccabi Petach-Tikva can force the opposition center backs to stay deep, which helps to create room in the pockets for the central midfielders.

This 4-4-2 lineup is designed for a team that wants to play with high intensity and directness. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play a high line and can be caught on the break.