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 aims to control the tempo through high pressing and aggressive transitions using a 4-3-3. This formation is built to press high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the opposition. By keeping players in advanced positions, the team looks to win the ball back high and attack quickly.

Lucas Hoyos starts in goal to oversee the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four where Matt Edwards acts as an attacking full back on the right to provide width. Enea Mihaj and Tomás Jacob form the central pairing, with Mihaj acting as a ball playing defender to start attacks. Elias Báez plays at left back, ready to push up the flank while the central defenders hold the line to prevent long balls. The unit works to squeeze the space and move as a single block when defending.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier to bridge the lines. Mauricio Amaro sits in the center to shield the defense and recycle possession. To his sides, Giuliano Galoppo and Cooper Sanchez act as the engine, with Galoppo looking to drive forward with the ball into the half-spaces. These players are responsible for pressing in a mid-block and connecting the back four to the front three. They must win the second ball to maintain pressure on the opponent.

In the attacking third, Atlanta United utilizes three attackers across the front. Breel Embolo acts as a pressing centre-forward who holds up the ball to bring others into play. On the wings, Sergio Santos and Luke Brennan operate as wide wingers who want to cut inside to create central threats. They look to receive on the half-turn and drive at the defense. The movements are designed to create runs in behind and allow the wingers to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This lineup offers significant advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. By having the front three and the midfield close together, Atlanta United can quickly win the ball back high up the pitch. Another strength is the ability to create wide overloads when Matt Edwards and Elias Báez push forward to support the wingers. This creates constant pressure on the opposition full backs.

The 4-3-3 formation creates a heavy presence in the attacking third through constant movement. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession and hunt for the ball against a side that tries to play out from the back.