Alania Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Khapov · Tetradze · Pagaev · Khudiev · Timofeev · Yanovskiy · Qosimov · Tedeev · Zazroev · Süleymanov · Papelishvili

Alania prefers to play with a vertical style that focuses on quick transitions and directness, utilizing a 4-4-2 formation. The team aims to strike hard when they win the ball, looking to use the width and central pockets to stretch the opposition. This lineup is built to sit in a mid-block and then hit in behind on the transition to catch the opponent out of position.

Khapov guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back line operates as a flat back four, with Khudiev at right back and Timofeev at left back. Tetradze and Pagaev act as the central defenders, tasked with defending zonally and winning the second ball. Tetradze and Pagaev must hold the line to maintain the integrity of the defensive block while ensuring they do not get caught too high when the team pushes up.

In the middle of the pitch, Alania employs a four man midfield. Yanovskiy acts as a single pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Ahead of him, Tedeev and Qosimov work as two central midfielders to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Zazroev operates in the hole as an attacking ten, looking to find space between the lines and pick up runners. The midfield unit works to squeeze the space and force a long ball from the opponent.

The attack relies on a partnership of two forwards. Papelishvili and Süleymanov lead the line, with the team using them to press from the front and force the opposition back. Papelishvili can play as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the build up, while Süleymanov looks to run in behind or hold up the ball for the midfielders. The team looks to play through the lines using Zazroev, creating chances through quick combinations in the final third.

One major advantage for Alania is the ability to hit in behind on the transition, using the pace of the two forwards. Another strength is the compactness when defending, as the two lines of four can quickly shift to block passing lanes. This formation also allows the team to overload the center when Zazroev and the central midfielders combine to bypass the midfield.

Alania relies on a direct and hard hitting tactical identity. This formation is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.