Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

R. Dasayev (Spartak Moscow) · K. Förster (Stuttgart) · F. Baresi (C) (Milan) · Leandro (Flamengo) · A. Cabrini (Juventus) · F. Redondo (Real Madrid) · M. Crippa (Napoli) · S. Bagni (Napoli) · D. Maradona (Napoli) · Careca (Napoli) · M. van Basten (Milan)

A heavy focus on defensive solidity and quick verticality defines this lineup using a 5-3-2. This formation aims to sit deep and absorb pressure before breaking quickly through a concentrated central force. By keeping numbers behind the ball, the team looks to compress the space between the lines and strike when the opposition leaves gaps behind their midfield.

R. Dasayev guards the goal while the defensive unit stays compact. The back five consists of a central trio where F. Baresi (C) acts as the leader, organizing the line and sweeping behind to cover any runners. Baresi (C) is known for his reading of the game and positional intelligence. F. Redondo plays as a central defender to provide stability, while K. Förster occupies the right side of the central block. Leandro operates as an attacking wing back on the right, looking to push up and provide width, while A. Cabrini performs a similar role on the left. This unit functions by defending zonally to deny space in the middle.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative spark. S. Bagni and M. Crippa occupy the central roles to shield the defence and win the second ball. They work to protect the back line and then look to recycle possession to the playmaker. D. Maradona plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, acting as the primary engine to progress through the thirds. Maradona is recognized for his incredible dribbling style, vision, and ability to play through the lines. He connects the defensive block to the front two by finding pockets of space.

Two forwards lead the attack in a partnership. Careca and M. van Basten play as a dual strike force designed to exploit any defensive lapses. Careca provides constant movement to pull defenders out of position, while M. van Basten acts as a clinical finisher who can hold up the ball and link up with Maradona. The team builds the attack by finding the feet of the striker or using the width provided by Leandro and A. Cabrini. When the team wins the ball, they look to hit in behind on the transition to isolate defenders.

This formation offers great compactness when defending, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. The presence of Leandro and A. Cabrini allows for wide overloads once the team transitions into an attacking phase. The team can also use the speed of transition to catch opponents off guard as Maradona carries the ball forward. This setup relies on the ability of the central trio to win the ball and immediately find the runners.

The tactical identity revolves around a strong defensive block and lethal central attacking combinations. This formation is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high defensive line.