Atlanta United Soccer Formation

Starting Lineup

Tomás Jacob · Lucas Hoyos · Elias Báez · Enea Mihaj · Matt Edwards · Giuliano Galoppo · Cooper Sanchez · Sergio Santos · Luke Brennan · Breel Embolo · Mauricio Amaro

Atlanta United looks to control the game through a high press and quick transitions using a 4-3-3. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately look for ways to stretch the defence. The team aims to move the ball forward with pace and use wide players to create chances in the final third.

Lucas Hoyos stands between the posts to organize the back line. Atlanta United employs a flat back four that works to squeeze the space between the defensive and midfield units. Matt Edwards and Enea Mihaj act as the central defenders, where Matt Edwards focuses on covering space and Enea Mihaj looks to win the header during defensive set pieces. Tomás Jacob and Elias Báez operate as full backs, with Tomás Jacob looking to overlap the winger and Elias Báez tasked to track back quickly when the team loses possession.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier to move the team through the thirds. Mauricio Amaro sits in the middle to shield the defence and recycle possession. To his left, Giuliano Galoppo looks to drive forward with the ball and arrive late into the box to support the attack. Cooper Sanchez works to press aggressively to win the ball high and connects the defensive and attacking lines. This trio works to maintain control of the central areas and ensure the team can transition from a mid-block to an attacking position.

In the final third, the team uses three attackers across the front. Breel Embolo acts as a pressing centre-forward who works to pin the last defender and hold up the ball for others. On the flanks, Sergio Santos plays as an inverted winger who looks to cut inside and create shooting opportunities, while Luke Brennan stays wide to stretch the defence and deliver crosses. The movement of these players is designed to create runs in behind and find the feet of the striker in tight spaces.

A major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opposition. Atlanta United also benefits from wide overloads when the full backs push up to join the wingers. The presence of Breel Embolo provides a focal point that allows the team to transition quickly and attack the near post or far post with speed.

This 4-3-3 is designed for a side that wants to dominate the ball and hunt for turnovers in the opposition half. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and struggle to deal with rapid movement in the half spaces.