Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

82 (SIVERA)
76 (VALENTINI)
75 (KOSKI)
78 (OTTO)
77 (TENAGLIA)
81 (BLANCO)
77 (PABLO IBANEZ)
76 (REBBACH)
78 (MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ)
80 (TONI MARTINEZ)
80 (BOYE)

Alavés focuses on a direct and vertical style of play using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to stretch the opposition and attack with heavy numbers in the final third. The intention is to push the tempo and use the width of the pitch to create mismatches during transitions.

In goal, 82 acts as the last line of defense to organize the unit. The back four operates as a flat back four, where 77 and 78 defend the flanks. The central defenders, 75 and 76, are tasked with holding the line and winning the second ball when the team sits deep. These defenders must communicate well to set the offside trap and cover any space left behind when the team pushes up.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to provide stability. 81 and 77 work to shield the defense and recycle possession when the attack stalls. 81 often acts as a carrier to move the ball from the defensive zone into the attacking third, while 77 focuses on protecting the space in front of the center backs. This pair must be disciplined to prevent being bypassed by quick passing moves in the middle.

Alavés utilizes four attackers to pin the opposition back. Two forwards, 80 and 80, act as a partnership in the center to lead the press and find space between the lines. On the wings, 78 and 76 provide width, with the intention to cut inside or deliver crosses into the box. The goal is to create runs in behind and use combinations to split the defense.

One major advantage of this lineup is the ability to create wide overloads through the work of the wingers and full backs. The team can also hit in behind on the transition by quickly finding the two central strikers. This creates constant pressure on the opponent's back line, making it difficult for them to defend in a compact shape.

This 4-2-4 formation is designed for high intensity and rapid attacking movements. It is best suited for matches where Alavés can exploit a high defensive line through quick, vertical transitions.