AZ Football Formation

Starting Lineup

A. PINTÉR (72) · ANTONIO LEO (74) · J. MARTÍNEZ (75) · F. ŠMÍD (74) · J. MOUKOKO (73) · E. ESPINOZA (73) · C. SUÁREZ (73) · J. DE JONG (73) · RANGELOV (77) · B. ZUMA (80) · E. MIRON (76)

AZ focuses on high pressing and verticality with a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and move forward quickly to catch the opposition out of position. The team works to stretch the defence through wide play and rapid transitions.

A. Pinter stays between the posts to manage the defensive line. The back four operates as a flat line to maintain compactness. Antonio Leo plays as a right back to provide width, while J. Martínez acts as an attacking left back to push forward. In the heart of the defence, F. Šmíd and J. Moukoko act as central defenders to defend zonally and win the second ball. They must stay close together to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

The midfield uses a three-man setup to control the center of the pitch. C. Suárez and E. Espinoza occupy the central roles to press in a mid-block and protect the back four. J. De Jong plays as an attacking ten behind the striker to connect the defensive and attacking lines. De Jong looks to receive on the half-turn and find the feet of the striker to progress through the thirds. This trio works to squeeze the space and intercept passes before the opponent can settle.

The attacking unit uses three attackers across the front to pressure the opposition back line. B. Zuma operates as a pressing centre-forward to hold up the ball and win headers. On the flanks, E. Miron and Rangelov act as wide wingers to stretch the opposition. They are tasked to cut inside or get to the byline to whip it in for the striker. The forwards work to win it back high up the pitch to trigger a press immediately after losing possession.

One major advantage for AZ is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The front three and the attacking midfielder create intense pressure to force a long ball from the opponent. Another strength is the width provided by the wingers and the full backs, which allows the team to spread wide and create overloads on the flanks. This creates space in the middle for the midfielders to arrive late into the box.

AZ relies on high intensity and quick ball movement to break down teams. This formation is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under pressure.