Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

MAIER (Sepp) (Borussia M'gladbach) · CARLOS (ALBERTO) (Botafogo) · NOVAK (Ladislav) (Dukla Praha) · SCHULZ (Willie) (Hamburg) · SHESTERNYOV (Albert) (CSKA Moscow) · VAN HANEGEM (Willem) (Feyenoord) · CAJKOVSKI (Zlatko) (FC Bayern) · OVERATH (Wolfgang) (Köln) · STRELSOV (Eduard) (Torpedo Moscow) · HAMRIN (Kurt) (Milan) · DZAJIC (Dragan) (Crvena zvezda)

A focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions defines this lineup, which operates in a 5-2-3 formation. The team looks to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting the opposition in behind. This formation is built to play a direct style that relies on the speed of the front three to exploit space once the ball is won.

MAIER guards the goal, providing a reliable presence behind the back line. The defensive unit functions as a back five, utilizing CAJKOVSKI as the central anchor to command the area. SCHULZ operates as the right centre-back to provide cover, while SHESTERNYOV plays as the left centre-back to help secure the zone. On the flanks, Carlos acts as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while NOVAK performs a similar role on the left. This system allows the defenders to hold a compact shape when the opponent has the ball.

The midfield operates as a double pivot consisting of VAN HANEGEM and OVERATH. These two players must work tirelessly to shield the defence and win the second ball in the middle of the pitch. VAN HANEGEM and OVERATH act as the engine, tasked with recovering possession and immediately looking to play through the lines to the attackers. They must stay disciplined to ensure the gaps between the lines do not become too large during transitions.

A high-intensity front three leads the attack, with STRELSOV acting as the lone striker. STRELSOV works to hold up the ball and pin the last defender to create space for others. On the wings, HAMRIN and DZAJIC operate as wide attackers who look to stretch the defence. HAMRIN can cut inside to create goal threats, while DZAJIC looks to get to the byline and deliver crosses. This front line is designed to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when Carlos and NOVAK push high up the pitch. The team also benefits from having a very narrow defensive block that makes it difficult for opponents to play through the middle. This compactness forces the opposition to play wide, where the wing backs can then press and intercept.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a heavy defensive base while maintaining the threat of a fast break. It is a lineup best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and push many players into the final third.