Valencia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Manzanedo · Moreno · Botubot · Carrete · Serrat · Roberto · Solsona · Castellanos · Kempes · Welzl · Saura ©

Valencia aims to control games through high pressing and verticality, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and quickly finding forward options to catch the opposition out of position. By squeezing the space in the middle, Valencia looks to transition from a compact defensive unit into a lightning fast attack that stretches the defence.

Manzanedo stays between the posts to provide the foundation for the back line. A flat back four maintains the defensive block, with Carrete and Serrat acting as full backs who can push up the flanks. Botubot and Moreno work as the central pair, where Botubot provides strength in the air while Moreno looks to cover the space behind if the line is breached. The whole unit works to hold the line and move together to deny passing lanes to the opposition strikers.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a carrier to drive the play forward. Roberto and Solsona operate in the half-spaces to connect the defense and attack, while Castellanos sits slightly deeper to shield the defense and recycle possession. Solsona and Roberto look to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch, often stepping up to intercept passes. This trio works to compress the midfield, ensuring there is no gap between the defensive unit and the front three.

In the attacking third, the team uses three attackers across the front. Kempes and Saura © act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create central threats, while Welzl plays as a lone striker to pin the last defender. Saura ©, serving as captain, looks to find space in the pockets to play one-two combinations with the midfield. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball, creating opportunities for the team to win the second ball and break quickly in transition.

One major advantage for Valencia is the ability to create wide overloads when Serrat and Carrete push high to overlap the winger. The team also finds success through its ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build out from the back. This setup allows the players to maintain compactness when defending while remaining ready to hit in behind on the transition.

This 4-3-3 formation is built for a high intensity game that relies on rapid ball movement. It is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back and leave gaps in the wide areas.