Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Juanfran (Athletico Madrid 2011-19) (Atlético) · Andoni Goikoetxea (Athletic Bilbao 75-87) (Athletic) · Samuel Umtiti (Lyon 2012-16) (Lyon) · Benedikt Höwedes (Schalke 04 07-18) (Schalke 04) · Gaizka Mendieta (Valencia 93-2001) (Valencia) · Jean Tigana (Bordeaux 81-89) (Bordeaux) · Franco Tancredi (Roma 77-90) (Roma) · Tomas Brolin (Parma 90-95) (Parma) · Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham 22-) (Tottenham) · Marco Reus (Dortmund 12-24) (Borussia Dortmund) · Alan Shearer (Newcastle 96-2006) (Newcastle)

A focus on defensive solidity and rapid transitions defines this 5-4-1 lineup. The team aims to sit deep and absorb pressure before striking with pace on the break. By keeping the unit compact, the team aims to frustrate opponents and force them into mistakes in the middle third.

Alan Shearer guards the goal in a formation built on a narrow defensive block. The back line consists of a back three featuring Tomas Brolin, Gaizka Mendieta, and Jean Tigana. Brolin acts as the central figure to sweep behind the line, while Mendieta and Tigana cover the zones in front of him. Marco Reus operates as the right wing back to provide width, while Dejan Kulusevski plays as the left wing back. Both Reus and Kulusevski are tasked to push up when the team wins the ball, but they must track back quickly to maintain the five man line.

The midfield is a flat four designed to squeeze the space between the lines. Juanfran sits in the pivot to shield the defense and disrupt play. Beside him, Samuel Umtiti works to connect the defensive unit to the forward line. Benedikt Höwedes and Andoni Goikoetxea occupy the central roles to press in a mid-block and win the second ball. This midfield unit focuses on staying compact to deny the turn to opposition playmakers and force long balls.

In the attacking phase, the team relies on a lone striker, Franco Tancredi, to lead the line. Tancredi acts as a target man to hold up the ball and allow the midfield to move forward. The wing backs, Marco Reus and Dejan Kulusevski, provide the primary width to stretch the defense. When the team moves into transition, the goal is to play through the lines or hit in behind on the transition. The forwards press from the front to trigger a press and force the opposition back toward their own goal.

One major advantage for this team is the compactness when defending in a low block. By keeping the midfield and defensive lines close together, the team makes it very difficult to play through the middle. Another strength is the ability to use the wing backs to create wide overloads once the team transitions from a defensive shape to an attacking one.

This formation is built to absorb pressure and play on the counter. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line.