Boca Football Formation
Starting Lineup
1- A. Marchesín4- N. Molina*
2- S. Cáceres*
26- M. Pellegrino
23- L. Blanco
5- R. Battaglia
20- A. Velasco
16- M. Merentiel
22- K. Zenón
8- L. Paredes*
10- J. Brunetta*
Boca focuses on a high press and verticality through a 4-3-3 formation. The lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move it quickly to the front line. This system aims to stretch the defence by using wide attackers and quick transitions to catch opponents out of position.
A. Marchesín starts in goal to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates with a flat back four where N. Molina acts as an attacking full back to provide width. S. Cáceres and M. Pellegrino form the central pairing, with S. Cáceres providing strength in the air and M. Pellegrino covering the space behind when the full backs push up. L. Blanco stays wide on the left to overlap and cross. The unit works to squeeze the space between the lines and maintain a high line to keep the team compact.
The midfield functions with a single pivot and two central midfielders. R. Battaglia sits in front of the defence to shield the back four and recycle possession. L. Paredes acts as a deep lying playmaker with a wide passing range to switch play across the pitch. J. Brunetta operates in the half spaces to connect the midfield to the attack and arrives late into the box to score. This three man midfield is responsible for pressing in a mid block and winning the second ball to keep the pressure on the opposition.
Boca utilizes three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. K. Zenón plays as an inverted winger on the right, cutting inside to create chances, while A. Velasco stays wide on the left to stretch the defence. M. Merentiel acts as the central striker, tasked to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball for the oncoming runners. The front three press from the front to force a long ball and create opportunities for the midfield to intercept.
The tactical advantages of this formation include the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs join the attack. Boca can also achieve numerical superiority in midfield during transitions. The coordination of the high press allows the team to win it back high up the pitch and attack in combinations.
This 4-3-3 formation relies on high intensity and quick vertical passing. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or struggle to manage wide areas.