Newell's Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- K. Navas
6- S. Salcedo
5- E. Banega
7- F. Cardozo
3- L. Sosa
22- J. Malatini*
8- A. Moreno*
29- R. Rotondi*
11- L. Faravelli*
9- E. Ponce*
10- E. Lamela*

Newell's focuses on a vertical style of play through a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to hit opponents on the transition and use central density to control the tempo of the game. By utilizing a heavy midfield presence, the team seeks to dominate the middle of the pitch and move the ball quickly toward the forwards.

K. Navas stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back three consists of L. Sosa on the left, S. Salcedo in the center, and J. Malatini on the right. Sosa and Malatini act as wide centre-backs who can shift to cover the flanks when the wing backs push up. S. Salcedo acts as the central pillar, remaining deep to sweep behind the line and win the headers when the ball is played long. The defensive unit stays compact to prevent passing lanes through the middle.

The midfield uses a five man system to bridge the gap between the defense and the attack. E. Banega acts as the deep lying playmaker, dropping deep to receive the ball from the defenders and recycle possession. Beside him, A. Moreno operates as a carrier to drive the ball forward and connect the lines. L. Faravelli plays in the hole to find space between the opponent lines, while F. Cardozo and R. Rotondi operate as wide midfielders who provide the width. F. Cardozo works to press high and win the ball back, while R. Rotondi tracks back to help the defense when out of possession.

Newell's utilizes a two man strike partnership to lead the attack. E. Ponce operates as the lone striker who can hold up the ball to bring others into play. E. Lamela plays as a second striker, often cutting inside from wider positions to create chaos in the box. The team builds the attack by playing through the lines using the central midfielders. When the wingers push high, it creates space for Lamela and Ponce to make runs in behind. The forwards press the opposition back line together to force a long ball and win the second ball.

This formation offers great tactical advantages through central numerical superiority. By having Banega, Moreno, and Faravelli close together, the team can control the rhythm and squeeze the space in the middle. Another strength is the ability to shift between a back five and a back three during different phases of play. This flexibility helps the team stay defensively solid while allowing the wingers to provide width in the final third.

This 3-5-2 formation is designed for a team that wants to control the center of the pitch through technical midfielders. It is best suited for games against opponents who play with wide formations and can be exploited in the central channels.