Cherchesov sets up standard formation 4-2-3-1 with two midfielders as additional protection behind the second line. He likes to experiment with the line-up, but less often with the formation (we’ve seen 5-3-2 or 3-5-2). In a defensive game he accepts the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 variant depending on the chosen line of pressing on opponents. However in general we can talk about a standard 4-4-2 with some variants.
Cherchesov plays very directly focusing on long, forward-facing balls. The numbers confirm this thesis as the Russians are at the absolute top of three statistics: long passes, forward passes and direct passes.
Although their team is of high quality (Artem Dzyuba, Mario Fernandes, Aleksandr Golovin) in midfield, and apart Golovin, the team is completely bereft of technical quality, which makes it much more difficult to reach Dzyuba.
Russia does not hold the possession for long, nor does it pursue positional play. Defenders search for Dzyuba’s passes as he goes deeper and after he looks for a direct play to wide-ranging partners.
Considering the aggressive style of Cherchesov, Russia gradually increases its pressing line, trying to take over the ball in the last period. They fight for the ball high and do not give the opponent time and space to play. They are also not afraid of high pressure from opponents, and after regaining possession, they counter immediately sending long balls to Dzyuba.
