Estudiantes (LP) Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12- M. Mansilla
14- E. Mancuso
3- A. Rogel*
6- F. Rodríguez*
16- J. Silva*
22- E. Pérez
9- G. Carrillo
11- J. Tucu Correa*
18- E. Cetré
23- A. Martegani*
32- T. Palacios

Estudiantes (LP) relies on a defensive identity built on stability and quick transitions, operating primarily within a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is designed to absorb pressure and use the width of the pitch effectively when the ball is won. The goal is to remain hard to beat while looking to strike quickly once the opposition loses control.

M. Mansilla guards the goal as the last line of defense. In front of him, the team employs a back five that can shift into a narrow defensive block. E. Pérez sits in the middle of the three central defenders to hold the line and organize the unit. A. Rogel and F. Rodríguez act as the wider center backs, with Rogel providing aerial strength and Rodríguez acting as a covering defender to sweep behind the line. On the flanks, E. Mancuso and J. Silva operate as attacking wing backs, tasked with providing width and tracking back to defend the wide areas when the team sits deep.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier in the middle. A. Martegani occupies the central role, acting as the link that connects the defense to the attack by receiving the ball and driving forward. On either side, E. Cetré and T. Palacios provide support to control the central zone. Martegani works to find space between the lines, while Cetré and Palacios focus on winning the second ball and pressing in a mid-block to disrupt the opponent. This unit works to compress the midfield and prevent the opposition from playing through the center.

In the final third, Estudiantes (LP) utilizes two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defense. J. Tucu Correa and G. Carrillo lead the line, working in close combinations to bypass the opposition back line. Correa often operates as a pressing centre-forward to trigger a press from the front, while Carrillo focuses on link-up play to bring others into the attack. When the wing backs push high, the two strikers often pull wide or make runs in behind to create space for late arrivals from the midfield.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its compactness when defending and the ability to create wide overloads. By having E. Mancuso and J. Silva push high, the team can quickly stretch the defense during a break. Furthermore, the presence of three central defenders ensures the team stays solid against long balls and maintains a strong presence in the box during set pieces.

This 5-3-2 formation provides a reliable platform for teams that want to be difficult to break down. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession, allowing the side to defend deep and strike on the transition.