Fernando Santos Portugal Tactics 2022

Fernando Santos sets his team up in a very structured 4-3-3 formation, though a frequent pattern is to switch to a counter-attacking 1-4-1-4-1 after taking the lead.

With the high positioning and offensive mentality of the side defenders, the strongly rotating midfield gains additional passing options and the high pressing of rivals often proves ineffective against the high mobility of the midfielders.

Santos restricts the midfielders’ freedom of movement making them play mainly in the mid and low block.

A good second line and a compact formation make it difficult for opponents to get close to the box area

Crucial to Portugal‘s attacking play are the roles of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva.



Fernando SANTOS profile on tacticof.com