Atlanta United Soccer Formation
Starting Lineup
Tómas Jacob · Lucas Hoyos · Elias Báez · Júnior Alonso · Paulo Díaz · Giuliano Galoppo · Cooper Sanchez · Miguel Almirón · Alexey Miranchuk · Breel Embolo · Mauricio AmaroAtlanta United aims to play a high press with a vertical style of play using a 4-3-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move quickly through the lines to catch the opposition out of position. The team relies on high energy to stretch the defence and create chances in transition.
Lucas Hoyos sits in goal to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat back four, with Tómas Jacob acting as a right back who can push up the flank. On the left, Elias Báez provides width and can overlap the midfield. In the center, Paulo Díaz and Júnior Alonso form the heart of the defense, with Paulo Díaz using his strength to win headers and Júnior Alonso acting as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. This unit works together to squeeze the space and maintain a high line.
The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier and creative elements. Mauricio Amaro sits in the middle to shield the defence and recycle possession. Cooper Sanchez plays as a right sided central midfielder who drives forward with the ball to break the lines. On the left, Giuliano Galoppo connects the defensive and attacking lines, often making late runs into the box to support the front three. This trio works to press in a mid-block and win the second ball to maintain control.
Atlanta United utilizes three attackers across the front to keep the opposition back line pinned. Breel Embolo acts as a pressing centre-forward who holds up the ball to bring others into play. Miguel Almirón plays as an inverted winger on the left, often cutting inside to find space in the half spaces, while Alexey Miranchuk operates on the right to whip it in or find the feet of the striker. These forwards work in combinations to create runs in behind and isolate wide players in one on one situations.
One major strength of this Atlanta United lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Tómas Jacob and Elias Báez push up to support the wingers. This creates constant pressure on the flanks and allows the team to switch play effectively to find open players.
This 4-3-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to dominate through intensity and quick transitions. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under pressure.