Maccabi Tel-Aviv Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Peretz (42) · Sokler (9) · Kanichowsky (16) · Sissokho (28) · Davida/Jehezkel (77/11) · Shlomo (13) · Camara/Asante (5/6) · Ben Harush (22) · Melika (1) · Tavernier (2) · Varela (29)

Maccabi Tel-Aviv focuses on a direct and vertical style of play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to defend in a compact block before looking to break quickly once the ball is won. The team relies on high intensity in the transition to catch opponents off guard.

Melika guards the goal as the last line of defense. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Sissokho, Shlomo, and Camara or Asante. Sissokho plays as the central defender to win the header and clear the lines, while Shlomo and Camara or Asante cover the spaces to the sides. Tavernier acts as the right wing back to provide width, while Ben Harush operates as the left wing back to support the flanks. This back five makes the team hard to break down in a mid-block.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Peretz and Kanichowsky act as the engine room, tasked with winning the second ball and protecting the back three. Peretz works to carry the ball forward to link the play, while Kanichowsky helps to squeeze the space in front of the defense. They must stay disciplined to ensure they do not leave the central defenders exposed when the team pushes up.

Maccabi Tel-Aviv utilizes three attackers to stretch the defense. Sokler acts as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Varela plays as the left winger to cut inside and create chances, while Davida or Jehezkel operates on the right wing to provide width or drift into the half spaces. The front three work together to press from the front, forcing the opposition to play long balls. This setup creates many opportunities for runs in behind the defensive line.

One major strength of this formation is the ability to hit in behind on the transition. With Tavernier and Ben Harush pushing high, the team can create wide overloads that force the opposition to defend against the overlap. Another advantage is the compactness when defending, as the five defenders and two midfielders stay close together to deny the turn to attackers.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a team that wants to remain defensively solid and strike with pace. It is best suited for matches against opponents who control possession and leave space behind their high defensive line.