Tokushima Football Formation

Starting Lineup

TANAKA (118) · YAMADA (115) · OMORI (115) · SHIOHAMA (114) · ROBERT (111) · ARAI (111) · YANAGISAWA (111) · TAKAO (110) · HIDANO (110) · TACHI (109) · KANUMA (106)

Tokushima focuses on a deep defensive block and quick transitions through a 5-4-1 formation. The team aims to stay compact and hard to break down while looking to hit the opponent on the break. This setup is designed to sit deep in a mid-block and force the opposition into wide areas.

TANAKA plays between the posts to organize the back five. The defensive line consists of KANUMA, TAKAO, and TACHI acting as a central three to defend the box and win headers. YANAGISAWA and OMORI act as attacking wing backs to provide width. YANAGISAWA pushes up to join the attack, while OMORI must track back to defend the flank. This unit works to keep the space between the lines tight and protect the central zone.

The midfield operates as a flat four to cover the width of the pitch. YAMADA and ARAI form a double pivot to shield the back three and win the second ball. YAMADA holds his position to prevent central penetrations, while ARAI looks to carry the ball forward to link play. SHIOHAMA and ROBERT occupy the wide areas of the midfield. SHIOHAMA and ROBERT press aggressively in the mid-block to win the ball back high up the pitch and feed the attack.

Tokushima relies on a lone striker, HIDANO, to lead the line. HIDANO acts as a target man to hold up the ball and wait for support. The team builds the attack by using the wing backs to spread wide and create overloads. When the ball is won, the goal is to hit in behind on the transition by finding SHIOHAMA or ROBERT in the half spaces. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball.

This formation offers extreme compactness when defending. By sitting deep, Tokushima can easily deny the turn to opposing attackers and protect the central channels. The presence of YANAGISAWA and OMORI allows for rapid wide transitions once the ball is recovered. This setup creates a very difficult defensive unit to bypass through the middle.

Tokushima uses this 5-4-1 to absorb pressure and strike with speed. This lineup is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line.