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Who is Marco Silva? Learn About his Transformative Tactics

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Marco Saraiva da Silva

Contract Until: Jun 30, 2026

Portuguese football manager Marco Silva was involved in several headlines recently as he was rumored to be sacked by Premier League club Fulham from his managerial duties after having an underwhelming season so far. However, these rumors have been scrapped, and the 48-year-old is aiming to turn the tables for Fulham and bring a ton of experience after managing several top sides over the years. Marco Silva used to play as a right-back professionally, and since his managerial career began in 2011, he has managed several clubs, including Everton, Watford, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Hull City, Estoril, and Fulham. Marco Silva tactics have helped him become one of the top coaches in the English footballing realm. Join us as we take a look at Marco Silva tactical analysis, formations, and overall lineups he has used over the years.

Marco Silva Bio

Marco Silva was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 12, 1977, and had a knack for playing football from a young age. He spent most of his professional playing time in Portuguese club Estoril, where he ultimately retired in 2011. Apart from this, he has played for several Portuguese clubs in his professional career, with over 280 appearances throughout his club career.

Full NameMarco Alexandre Saraiva da Silva
GenderMale
Age48
NationalityPortuguese
Place of BirthLisbon, Portugal
Current TeamFulham
Relationship StatusMarried
WifeAlexandra Silva
Marco Silva Bio

Marco Silva Tactics and Style of Play

Marco Silva style of play focuses on attacking width, aggressive pressing, and also flexibility, ensuring proper transitions from defense to attack. Marco Silva formation used in Fulham includes a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, which provides constant player movements, hence creating several attacking opportunities. While in possession, Marco Silva tactics include using short passing sequences to maintain midfield fluidity. Marco Silva tactical analysis during attack focuses on pushing wingers to the flanks, hence creating space in the center. Take a look at some of Marco Silva tactics used over the years in several teams.

Hull City

Marco Silva tactical analysis in Hull City focused on defensive organisation and counter-attacking football. He also emphasized set pieces and aimed to have quick transitions to create scoring chances.

Watford

Marco Silva formation at Watford was mainly a 4-2-3-1, which featured high pressing along with having attacking full-backs. This saw the team starting the season strongly, but it trembled after having a couple of underwhelming results.

Everton

In his time at Everton, Marco Silva style of play focused on possession-based gameplay with the 4-2-3-1 formation. He emphasized building attacks from the back and used short passes to create attacking opportunities.

Marco Silva Tactics Comparison & Evolution: Everton vs Fulham

Marco Silva style of play in Everton saw a more attacking and possession-based style, which further became poor for the side. However, Marco Silva tactics in Fulham look to be adaptable and are flexible depending upon the opponent. Marco Silva formation might have remained 4-2-3-1 in Everton and Fulham; his tenure at Fulham so far has also seen him using a 4-3-3 formation at times. The Everton side saw several poor defensive organizations, but Marco Silva tactical analysis for Fulham makes the side have a resilient defense. With stability and adaptability being the key differences between Silva's Everton and Fulham sides, he aims to make a comeback with Fulham after a recent underwhelming string of results.

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Marco Silva Trophies and Achievements as a Manager

Marco Silva tactics have led him to win a couple of trophies as a manager over the years. During his time at Estoril, Marco Silva lineup won the Segunda Liga, the Taca de Portugal with Sporting CP, the Super League title with Olympiacos, and also guided Fulham to the EFL Championship.

CompetitionAchievementYear/Season
Segunda LigaChampions2011-12
Taca de PortugalChampions2014-15
Super League GreeceChampions2015-16
EFL Championship Champions2021-22
Segunda LigaCoach of the Year2011-12
EFL ChampionshipManager of the Year2021-22

How Does Marco Silva Fulham Lineup Look Like?

Marco Silva lineup for Fulham includes a tactically flexible set of players in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. With Bernd Leno in goal, his premier full-backs include Timothy Castagne, Antonee Robinson, and Kenny Tete. Marco Silva lineup also includes Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Issa Diop as first-choice centre-backs. With top central and defensive midfielders including Sasa Lukic, Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, Tom Cairney, and Harrison Reed, Marco Silva style presents creative playmakers in the centre who further connect with the forwards. Fulham's flexible wingers include Adama Traore, Harry Wilson, and Samuel Chukwueze. With Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz as first-choice strikers, Marco Silva lineup continues to showcase adaptability and tactical flexibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What tactic does Marco Silva use?

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Marco Silva tactics include a flexible, attacking style built on aggressive pressing and vertical transitions. 

What formation does Marco Silva play?

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Marco Silva formation includes a 4-3-2-1 or a 4-3-3, depending on the opponent. 

What is Marco Silva's playing style?

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Marco Silva's playing style includes a flexible and adaptive approach that focuses on vertical, swift transitions. 

How many trophies Marco Silva has won?

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Marco Silva has won four trophies throughout his managerial career so far, including the Segunda Liga, the Taca de Portugal, the Super Legue, and the EFL Championship.