Argentina National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Kempes (Moreno/Sastre) · Maradona (Pedernera/Sivori) · Messi (Bertoni/Corbatta) · Di Maria (Houseman) · Di Stefano (Batistuta/Aguero) · Marzolini (Tarantini/Sorin) · Redondo (Mascherano/N.Rossi) · Passarella (Perfumo/Otamendi) · Fillol (E.Martinez) · Zanetti (Ruggeri/Olguin) · Ardiles (Rattin/Monti)

Argentina aims to control games through high pressing and rapid transitions, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on technical superiority to dominate the ball and break defensive lines. By utilizing wide players and a mobile frontline, Argentina seeks to stretch the pitch and create scoring chances through quick combinations.

Fillol guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back five operates as a staggered defensive block where Passarella, Redondo, and Ardiles form a central trio to protect the middle. Passarella acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks, while Redondo and Ardiles provide cover and aerial strength. Marzolini operates as an attacking wing back on the left, while Zanetti pushes high on the right to provide width. This defensive unit works together to squeeze the space and win the second ball in the middle third.

A two man midfield is tasked with controlling the tempo and connecting the defense to the attack. Maradona operates in the right central midfield role, using his legendary dribbling style to carry the ball forward and break lines. Kempes plays alongside him in the left central midfield position, providing energy to press in a mid-block and arrive late into the box. These two players must work hard to cover the ground between the defensive line and the front three, ensuring they can recycle possession when needed.

The attacking trident focuses on creating chaos in the opposition box. Di Stefano acts as the central striker, playing to hold up the ball and link up play with the runners. Di Maria occupies the left wing, acting as an inverted winger who cuts inside to create space for Marzolini to overlap. Messi occupies the right wing, looking to cut inside and find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. This front line is designed to press from the front and hit in behind on the transition.

Argentina gains significant advantages through their ability to create wide overloads. When Zanetti and Marzolini push forward, they create two on one situations against opposing full backs. The formation also allows for a strong ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. This setup provides the flexibility to shift into a more compact shape when defending deep.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for teams that want to dominate through individual brilliance and rapid ball movement. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play a high defensive line and can be caught on the break.