Formation

 Formations in football are a method of positioning players on the pitch to allow a team to perform according to their pre-set tactics. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football. These schemes are usually named according to the number of players displayed for each zone on the pitch.

The 'classic' figure in football is the 4-4-2 line-up. Scheme that describes a tactic conformed by four defenders (usually two central and two side defenders), four midfielders (usually two at the centre and two in both wings) and two attackers. At Deportivo and since Irureta's era, the 'traditional' tactic has been the 4-2-3-1; a system that represents a line-up with four defenders, two pivotes, one playmaker, two wingers and one attacker.

For the season 2007/2008, coach started to use two tactical formations: The traditional 4-2-3-1 of ex-coach Irureta and also a 5-2-2-1 figure, this last line-up gave good results during the second part of the campaign. For the 2009/2010 the Basque manager is planning to replace the 5-2-2-1 with a 4-3-3.

In a 4-2-3-1 scheme, Lotina uses a line of four defenders with two of them playing at the centre. Usually these players are chosen between these three players: Zé Castro, Albert Lopo and Diego Colotto. Adrián López 'Piscu' is the other choice for the coach. At the sides, Lotina can choose between Manuel Pablo, and Laure for the right spot, while Filipe Luis and Angulo are the choices for the left flank.

In midfield, the duo of pivotes is usually composed by Sergio, Juan Rodríguez and Juca. Antonio Tomás is the fourth alternative. Juan Carlos Valerón is the best choice to cover the playmaking function and the alternatives is Iván Pérez, though Tunisan attacker Lassad alo plays there.. For the wings, the natural selection on the left is Andrés Guardado, Angulo, Iván Pérez and even Filipe can replace him, while Pablo Alvarez and striker Adrián can be used on the right.

The striking zone presents five alternatives although it only has one position in the formation. For the season 2009/2010 the choices are Riki, Bodipo, Mista, Lassad and Adrián. A 4-3-3 system means to use three pivotes and to play with two additional strikers palyign towards the wings, usually the wingers are the players that perform in this last function.

 Website Football-lineups.com has a resume of the formations used by Deportivo during each liga game since the season 2003/2004. The information can be checked on here.