Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

.. (Angola) · CARLOS (ALBERTO) (Botafogo) · STANKOVIC (Branko) (Crvena zvezda) · SCHULZ (Willie) (Hamburg) · SHESTERNYOV (Albert) (CSKA Moscow) · ROSSI (Nestor) (River) · VAN HANEGEM (Willem) (Feyenoord) · OVERATH (Wolfgang) (Köln) · CRUYFF (Johan) (Ajax) · HAMRIN (Kurt) (Milan) · DZAJIC (Dragan) (Crvena zvezda)

A heavy emphasis on direct attacking and rapid transitions defines this lineup, which utilizes a 5-2-3 formation. The team aims to exploit space behind the opposition defense by using a high line and aggressive forward movements. This formation is built to overwhelm opponents through width and sudden bursts of verticality.

The goalkeeper stays behind a compact back five to manage the defensive line. Rossi acts as the central figure in the back three, serving as a ball playing defender to initiate play. Schulz operates as the right centre back, while Shesternyov covers the left side. To provide width, Carlos and Stankovic function as attacking wing backs. Carlos is expected to push high up the flank to provide crosses, while Stanković provides the necessary cover on the opposite side. The unit works together to squeeze the space in a mid-block or stay narrow to protect the central zone.

In the middle of the pitch, a double pivot manages the transition from defense to attack. Van Hanegem and Overath operate as the two central midfielders. Van Hanegem works to shield the back five and wins the second ball to keep play moving. Overath is tasked to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive unit to the front three. This duo must press in a mid-block to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines, ensuring that the distance between the lines remains small.

The attacking unit uses three players across the front to stretch the opposition. Cruyff plays as a lone striker and is known for his incredible spatial awareness and ability to drop deep to link play. Dzajic and Hamrin operate as wide wingers who stay high to pin the last defender. Dzajic looks to cut inside to create goal scoring chances, while Hamrin stretches the field to isolate defenders in one on one situations. This front line is designed to trigger a press from the front, forcing long balls from the opposition.

This formation offers a major advantage through the width provided by Carlos and Stankovic, which creates wide overloads. The team can also transition with great speed, hitting opponents in behind on the transition. The presence of Cruyff allows for effective link up play between the lines, making it hard for opponents to mark him.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a strong foundation for a team that wants to dominate through wide attacks and quick vertical play. It is best suited for games against opponents who play a high defensive line or leave space between their midfield and defense.