This time, I’m focusing on one of my favourite parts of a football club’s social media: the line-up graphic. This is the first taste of the action we get before a match kicks off, and it’s a huge opportunity for a club to build excitement. Just like with my other reviews, I’m not coming at this as a designer—I’m looking at these from a fan’s perspective and judging them on how they make me feel.

For me, a great line-up graphic has to be clear, clean, and quick to understand. My eyes go straight to the formation—the classic 4-4-2, a modern 4-3-3, or something more unique. Is it easy to see where each player is on the pitch? Do they use a clear layout with names and shirt numbers? I really appreciate it when a club includes player photos, as it adds a personal touch and makes it feel more immediate. The best graphics also list the substitutes and the manager, giving you the full picture of the squad for the day.

The visual style is a big part of it, too. Does the graphic reflect the club’s identity? Some clubs use a simple, minimalist design, while others go for something bold and dynamic, with different colors and textures. I love it when a club uses a unique style that’s consistent across all their matchday posts. Whether it’s a simple, elegant design or something with a bit more flair, what matters most is that it gets me excited for the game and feels like a professional product. This is a crucial pre-match moment, and a great graphic can set the tone perfectly.