Besiktas Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Plusic / (Arribas) · Brahim Diaz · Trossard / İlhan · Vlahovic / Oh (Semih) · Salih Özcan / Moriba (Kartal) · Orkun / Willock · Diogo Leite / Emirhan (Ümit Akdağ) · Djalo / Agbadou · Quattara / Rıdvan · Murillo / Taylan · Nubel / Doğan

Besiktas relies on a heavy high press and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3. This formation seeks to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can settle. The lineup is designed to stretch the defence through wide channels while maintaining a compact block when the ball is lost.

Nubel acts as the goalkeeper, playing a vital role in starting play from the back. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Djalo at right centre-back, Salih Özcan in the middle, and Diogo Leite at left centre-back. Djalo and Diogo Leite provide cover and depth, while Salih Özcan acts as the central anchor to win headers and intercept passes. To provide width, Murillo operates as the right wing back to push high, while Quattara functions as the left wing back to overlap the midfield. This defensive block allows the team to stay narrow when defending the middle and shift quickly to the flanks.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide balance. Orkun plays as the right central midfielder to drive forward with the ball and connect the defence to the attack, while Plusic occupies the left central midfield role to control the tempo. This pair must be disciplined to shield the back three and pick up runners from deep. Orkun and Plusic work to press in a mid-block to force long balls and win the second ball in central areas.

In the final third, Besiktas utilizes three attackers to pin the opposition back line. Vlahovic operates as a lone striker and target man to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Brahim Diaz plays as an inverted winger on the right, cutting inside to create space for Murillo to overlap. On the left, Trossard acts as an inverted winger to threaten the box, while also looking to find the feet of the striker. This front line is tasked to press from the front, forcing the opponent to play into the crowded central areas where the midfield can intercept.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when Murillo and Quattara push forward. Besiktas also benefits from the compactness when defending, as the five defenders and two midfielders can squeeze the space between the lines. This setup allows for quick transitions where the ball can be switched play rapidly to the wingers.

Besiktas uses this 5-2-3 to dominate high pressing games and exploit teams that leave space behind their full backs. It is a setup best suited for breaking down opponents who sit deep and rely on slow build up play.