The structure and organisation of the Brazilian game is directly influenced by the players on the pitch – their talent and ability. Tite uses four different formations: most often 1-4-4-2 and 1-4-2-3-1, but he doesn’t hesitate to put the team into 1-4-1-3-2 or 1-4-3-3 depending on the choice of line-ups.
However, regardless of the starting formation, Tite most often attacks in a 1-3-2-5 shape. This structure can be set up in many different forms and it all depends on the players on the pitch. It can also depend on the opponent. Against deeper back teams they do not hesitate to play very offensively. Two wingers and three midfielders positioned in midfield provide depth and width in attack. It is worth noting that Tite usually lines up six players in defence (with one extra for short cover) and tries to give the team a numerical advantage in midfield.
Central forwards such as Coutinho and Paqueta actively operate in the half-spaces, while inverted wingers such as Vinicius and Raphinha line up wide. If we add to this a high degree of mobility and interchangeability in positions, we get a very fluid structure that takes advantage of the situation on the pitch.
In the Brazilian national team the left defender usually plays very high up, while the right defender goes inside and positions himself slightly deeper. The right defender then forms a back three. Casemiro is joined by another midfielder and together they form two pivots. Against more demanding rivals, Tite puts out players like Fred or Douglas Luiz who play more defensively and protect the left flank better.
In attack the left winger often plays as a centre-forward and operates in the left foreground, while the right winger positions himself closer to the line on the right. The centre-striker usually remains in his classic advanced forward role, with another centre-striker or central midfielder providing depth on the right half of the pitch.
Neymar is often fielded by Tite as a false nine (in a 4-4-2 formation) or a inverted striker on the left (in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation). In a two striker game, Neymar’s partner plays on the right, while Neymar plays in the middle. This provides him with space to go into the free spaces and good cooperation with his partners. In the final attacking phase, Neymar also has a big part in creating chances for the team in the final third. Nevertheless, in Tite’s system the optimal role for Neymar is the false nine. However this requires the second striker to be more mobile and press harder.
