Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Cancelo (Portugal) · F. de Jong (Netherlands) · Christensen (Denmark) · Koundé (France) · Raphinha (Brazil) · Yamal (Spain) · Olmo (Spain) · F. López (Spain) · Pedri (Spain) · Rodri (Spain) · Livakovic (Croatia)

High intensity and quick transitions define this side as they look to win the ball high up the pitch. The team utilizes a 5-2-3 formation to stretch the opposition and control the wide areas. This formation is built to play with vertical movements that catch opponents before they can settle.

Livakovic stays between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates with a back five where Rodri acts as the central man to sweep behind a high line. Christensen and F. de Jong play as the wide centre-backs to cover the channels and step up when the play moves forward. Cancelo and Koundé function as attacking wing backs, ready to overlap the wingers and provide width. The entire back line works to hold a high line and squeeze the space in the middle.

The midfield is a two-man central block consisting of Pedri and F. López. Pedri uses his passing range to play through the lines and find teammates in space. F. López works to shield the defence and pick up runners. These two act as the connection between the defensive and attacking lines. Pedri can drop deep to receive the ball and help build play from the back, while F. López helps to win the second ball to maintain pressure.

The attack features three players across the front with Raphinha acting as a pressing centre-forward. Yamal and Olmo play as wide wingers, with Yamal looking to cut inside and use his dribbling to break the line. Raphinha works to hold up the ball and link play with the midfielders. The wing backs, Cancelo and Koundé, push high to provide crosses and create wide overloads. This movement creates many runs in behind and allows the forwards to combine in tight spaces.

This lineup offers the advantage of wide overloads from overlapping full backs when Cancelo and Koundé push forward. The team can also press high in coordinated waves using the front three to force a long ball. This helps the side win the second ball and break quickly.

The 5-2-3 is built to dominate the flanks and play with intense energy. This formation is best suited for facing teams that use a narrow midfield and struggle to defend wide areas.