Argentina National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Argentina focuses on a high press and rapid verticality with a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to hunt the ball high up the pitch and strike with devastating speed once possession is won. The team looks to stretch the defence by using wide players to create space for central runners.

Fillol stays between the posts to act as the final line of defence. The back line functions as a back three with Marzolini playing as a left wing back and Zanetti acting as a right wing back. These wide defenders push high to provide width. Passarella, Redondo, and Ardiles form the central trio. Passarella uses his aerial strength and leadership to command the line, while Redondo and Ardiles cover the spaces behind the advancing wing backs. The unit works together to squeeze the space and stop attacks before they reach the box.

A two man midfield operates in the center of the pitch. Kempes and Maradona form a central pairing that connects the defence to the attack. Maradona uses his incredible dribbling style to carry the ball forward and break the line, while Kempes works to win the second ball and press aggressively. This duo must cover huge amounts of ground to ensure the team does not get bypassed in the middle. They link the defensive unit to the front three by receiving the ball and quickly looking to play through the lines.

The attacking front line uses three attackers to pin the opposition back. Di Stefano acts as the central striker to hold up the ball and link with his teammates. Di Maria and Messi operate as wide attackers, with Messi frequently cutting inside from the right to create goalscoring chances. Di Maria uses his pace to stretch the defence and get to the byline. The front three press the opposition back line in a coordinated way to force a long ball. They look to exploit transitions through quick combinations and runs in behind.

Argentina possesses several tactical advantages with this lineup. The team can create wide overloads when Marzolini and Zanetti overlap the wingers. There is also great potential for numerical superiority in the final third when the midfielders push up. The ability to press in waves makes it very difficult for opponents to build play from the back.

This 5-2-3 formation creates a team that is lethal on the counter at pace. It is best suited for games where the opponent holds much of the ball and leaves space behind their defensive line.