Newell's Football Formation

Starting Lineup

F. GAMBOA · E. BERIZZO · G. RAGGIO · POCHETTINO · A. BERTI · J. SALDAÑA · J. ZAMORA · G. MARTINO · R. LUNARI · A. MENDOZA · N. SCOPONI

Newell's focuses on a defensive block designed to absorb pressure and strike on the transition, utilizing a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup aims to remain compact in the middle while leaving space for quick breaks. By sitting deep, the team invites the opposition into their territory before hitting them with speed in the final third.

N. SCOPONI guards the goal as the foundation of this defensive unit. The back line operates as a sturdy back five, with A. BERTI acting as the central anchor to protect the zone. E. BERIZZO serves as a ball playing defender on the right, while G. RAGGIO holds the left side of the central trio. The wing backs, F. GAMBOA and POCHETTINO, provide width and are tasked with tracking back to form a five man line when defending deep. They must also be ready to push up the flanks to support the attack.

The midfield works as a three man midfield with a carrier and a creative link. J. SALDAÑA and J. ZAMORA operate in the central areas to protect the defense and win the second ball. G. MARTINO plays in a more advanced role, acting as an attacking ten behind the strikers to connect the lines. This trio must press in a mid-block to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines easily. They look to recycle possession quickly once they win the ball to find the forwards.

In the attacking phase, Newell's uses two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defense. A. MENDOZA and R. Lunari work together to chase long balls and hold up the ball under pressure. The team relies on the wing backs, F. GAMBOA and POCHETTINO, to provide width and deliver crosses from the flanks. This setup allows the strikers to play one two combinations or make runs in behind the opposition back line. The goal is to use the movement of the two attackers to pull defenders out of position.

This formation offers the advantage of compactness when defending, making it very difficult for opponents to find gaps in the middle. The presence of three central defenders provides stability against direct play and aerial threats. Additionally, the wide areas can be exploited through quick transitions when the wing backs overlap to create numerical superiority on the flanks.

Newell's uses this 5-3-2 formation to stay solid and frustrate teams that want to control possession. It is best suited for matches against dominant opponents where the team needs to defend deep and hit on the break.