Boca Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Boca focuses on a direct and vertical way of playing through a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup looks to absorb pressure and strike hard when they win the ball back. The team relies on a compact block to deny space in the middle and uses the width of the pitch to stretch opposition lines.

Romero sits between the posts to command the area. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Belmonte, Anselmino, and Medel. Medel acts as a covering defender while Anselmino provides physical presence in the middle of the line. To provide width, Advíncula and Blanco play as attacking wing backs who push high up the pitch. This allows the central three to sit deep and protect the zone in front of the goalkeeper.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier. Medina acts as the anchor to shield the defence and win the second ball. Zenón operates in the left half-space to connect the defensive and attacking lines with his passing range. Aguirre provides energy to press in a mid-block and covers the space left when the wing backs push forward. This trio ensures the team remains compact when they do not have the ball.

Boca utilizes two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Cavani plays as the senior striker who uses his movement to find space and link up play between the lines. Merentiel acts as a pressing centre-forward to hunt the ball and run in behind the defence. When the team transitions, Advíncula and Blanco provide the width to cross on the run, while the two strikers look to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This formation offers a high level of compactness when defending in a low block. The presence of three central defenders allows for better coverage against long balls and crosses. Boca can also create wide overloads by having the wing backs join the midfielders in the attacking third. The speed of transition from the midfield trio to the two strikers allows for quick breaks.

This 5-3-2 formation provides a solid base for teams that want to exploit the counter attack. It is best suited for matches against heavy possession sides where winning the ball back high up the pitch is difficult.