Estudiantes (LP) Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12- M. Mansilla
20- E. Meza
14- S. Boselli
26- R. F. Mori
3- J. Aude*
15- D. Ayala*
17- J. Burgos*
5- S. Ascacíbar
25- C. Medina
99- J. Correa*
9- G. Carrillo

Estudiantes (LP) prioritizes a defensively solid identity using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure while looking to strike on the transition. The goal is to keep the lines compact to make it difficult for opponents to find space between the units.

M. Mansilla guards the goal as the last line of defense. The defensive unit operates in a back five with D. Ayala, S. Boselli, and R. F. Mori forming the central trio. Ayala and Boselli provide strength in the air and central cover, while R. F. Mori covers space behind them. On the flanks, E. Meza and J. Aude act as attacking wing backs to provide width and cover the entire flank. This defensive block aims to deny space in the box and force the opposition to play wide.

A four man midfield sits in front of the defensive line to close down passing lanes. S. Ascacíbar acts as the primary shield to protect the centre backs, while C. Medina works alongside him to win the second ball. The wide midfielders, J. Burgos and J. Correa, are tasked with tracking back to support the wing backs when defending. They also work to squeeze the space in a mid-block to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. This unit links the defensive block to the solitary striker.

The attacking movement relies on G. Carrillo playing as a lone striker. He must hold up the ball to allow the midfielders to move forward. The team attacks through wide channels when E. Meza or J. Aude push up the pitch. J. Burgos and J. Correa provide the width needed to stretch the defence during a break. The plan involves quick vertical passes to hit in behind on the transition, using the wingers to deliver crosses into the box.

Estudiantes (LP) offers significant advantages through its compactness when defending and its ability to win the second ball in the middle of the pitch. The formation creates numerical superiority in the defensive third, making it very hard to break down. The wide players also offer the ability to transition quickly from a deep block to an attacking phase.

This formation is built for teams that want to frustrate dominant opponents by sitting deep. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to defend a lead or play against a side with high possession.