Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

David Raya (GK) (Arsenal) · Nico Schlotterbeck (CB) (Borussia Dortmund) · Pau Cubarsí (CB) (Barcelona) · Riccardo Calafiori (LB) (Arsenal) · Ben White (RB) (Arsenal) · Pedro López (CM) (Barcelona) · Declan Rice (DM) (Arsenal) · Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (LW) (PSG) · Pedro Neto (RW) (Chelsea) · Erling Haaland (CF) (Man City) · Martin Ødegaard (AM) (Arsenal)

A high press and heavy verticality define this lineup, which operates in a 4-3-3. The team focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch to catch the opposition while they are building from the back. This formation aims to pin the opponent in their own half through constant pressure and quick transitions to the final third.

David Raya plays behind a back four that functions as a high line to squeeze the space. Ben White plays as a right back who can hold the line or move higher to support the attack, while Riccardo Calafiori acts as an attacking left back to provide width. In the middle, Pau Cubarsí and Nico Schlotterbeck operate as central defenders where Cubarsí plays as a ball playing defender to initiate play and Schlotterbeck uses his strength to win headers and cover ground. The defensive unit works to keep the team compact and ready to spring a press.

The midfield features a three man midfield with a carrier to bridge the lines. Declan Rice acts as the primary shield for the defence, working to intercept passes and win the second ball. Martin Ødegaard operates in the half spaces to create chances and connects the defence to the attack with his passing range. Pedro López provides support in the central area to help recycle possession and press aggressively in a mid-block when the high press is bypassed.

Attacking the opposition relies on three attackers across the front. Erling Haaland acts as a lone striker and a pressing centre-forward who pins the last defender to create space for others. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and drive at the defence, while Pedro Neto operates on the right to provide width and pace. The team looks to hit in behind on the transition, using the movement of the wingers to isolate wide players in one on one situations or deliver crosses to the far post.

This formation offers the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The presence of Rice and Ødegaard allows for control in the middle, while the pace of Neto and Kvaratskhelia creates a constant threat during quick breaks. The team can also use the width of Calafiori and White to create overloads on the flanks.

This 4-3-3 is built to dominate games through aggressive pressing and rapid vertical movements. It is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.