Valencia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Valencia plays with a heavy emphasis on verticality and rapid transitions, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation to stretch the opposition. This lineup is built to win the ball in the middle third and push quickly toward the goal. The team relies on quick movement to exploit spaces left behind by advancing opponents, making it a side that prefers to strike on the break rather than control long periods of possession.

In goal, Bermell acts as the last line of defense while the back four maintains a relatively high line to compress the pitch. Carrete operates as a right back who looks to support the wide areas, while Ribes covers the left flank to maintain the defensive line. Tendillo and Arias form the central pairing, where Tendillo provides physical presence and Arias focuses on covering the space behind the full backs. The unit works to stay compact, ensuring they do not get caught out by long balls over the top.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier to drive play forward. César operates as the left central midfielder to help recycle possession and connect the defense to the attack. Roberto plays in the right central midfield role to help shield the defense and win the second ball, while Solsona acts as the central engine to bridge the gap between the back line and the forwards. This trio works to squeeze the space in the middle, preventing the opposition from playing through the lines easily.

Valencia utilizes three attackers across the front to pressure the opposition back line. Welzl operates as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and create space for his teammates. On the wings, Kempes acts as an inverted winger who looks to cut inside and shoot, while Saura ©, the team captain, stays wide on the right to provide width and cross the ball. The attacking unit moves in combination, with Kempes and Saura © looking to find Welzl through the lines or exploit the channels.

A primary strength of this Valencia lineup is the speed of transition once the ball is won in the middle third. The team can quickly shift the ball from the defensive block to the wide players, creating chances to hit in behind on the transition. Additionally, the presence of Saura © and Kempes allows the team to stretch the defense and create one on one situations for the wingers.

This 4-3-3 formation provides a direct and aggressive way to challenge teams that play with a high line. It is a lineup best suited for matches where the opponent dominates possession and leaves gaps in behind.