Hull Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Calvert-Lewin (Hojlond / Enis / Duiven) · Greenwood (Wilian / Abaldo) · Gakpo (Bahoya / Varela) · Justin Kluivert (Brahim Diaz) · Bitello (Miretti / Thuram) · Melo (Ugarte / Joelinton) · Ola Aina (Hector Fort) · Milos Kerkez (Lewis-Skelly) · Dean Huijsen (Igor / Pedroso) · Willian Pacho (Arthur Theate) · Kaua Santos (Ziga Frelih)

Hull focuses on a vertical attacking style using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to catch opponents off guard by quickly moving the ball forward to exploit gaps in the defensive lines. By spreading the pitch wide and pushing players high, Hull aims to force high turnovers and strike with pace.

Kaua Santos stays between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back four functions as a flat line where Ola Aina and Milos Kerkez provide width. Ola Aina pushes forward to overlap, while Milos Kerkez acts as an attacking full back to stretch the opposition. In the middle, Dean Huijsen and Willian Pacho play as ball playing defenders who can play out from the back. Dean Huijsen uses his height to win the header, while Willian Pacho provides coverage to sweep behind the line if a runner breaks through.

A double pivot governs the center of the pitch to provide stability. Melo and Bitello operate as the two holding midfielders who sit in front of the defense to deny the turn of opposing playmakers. Melo works to shield the back four and win the second ball, while Bitello looks to carry the ball forward to connect the defense to the attack. This duo must work hard to cover the large spaces left behind when the full backs move high up the pitch.

The attack uses two forwards in a partnership supported by two wide players. Justin Kluivert and Calvert-Lewin act as a strike duo, with Calvert-Lewin serving as a target man to hold up the ball. Justin Kluivert looks to make runs in behind to stretch the defense. On the flanks, Greenwood and Gakpo act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create space for the full backs. Greenwood uses his dribbling style to take on defenders, while Gakpo moves into the half spaces to link up with the strikers. This front four presses from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major advantage for Hull is the ability to create wide overloads from overlapping full backs. When Ola Aina and Milos Kerkez push up, they create two on one situations against the opposition wingers. Another strength is the speed of transition when winning the ball in the middle third. The team can quickly switch play to find Greenwood or Gakpo in isolated one on one situations.

This formation relies on high intensity to win the ball back high up the pitch. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and can be punished in behind.