Argentina National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Gerónimo Rulli (23) · Gabriel Mercado (2) · Ramiro Funes Mori (13) · Walter Kannemann (4) · Marcos Acuña (8) · Santiago Ascacíbar (15) · Roberto Pereyra (7) · Rodrigo De Paul (16) · Maximiliano Meza (14) · Erik Lamela (22) · Mauro Icardi (9)

Argentina aims to play a high press and quick transition game using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to overwhelm opponents in the final third while maintaining enough bodies back to stop counter attacks. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly move it forward to the attackers.

Gerónimo Rulli starts between the posts to organize the defense. The back line features a central trio of Santiago Ascacíbar, Walter Kannemann, and Ramiro Funes Mori. Santiago Ascacíbar acts as the central anchor to sweep up loose balls. Walter Kannemann and Ramiro Funes Mori provide physical presence and aerial strength in the middle. Gabriel Mercado and Marcos Acuña act as wing backs, pushing high up the flanks to provide width. Gabriel Mercado is expected to overlap to help the attack, while Marcos Acuña uses his engine to cover the entire left side.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Roberto Pereyra and Maximiliano Meza work to connect the defense to the front three. Roberto Pereyra drives forward to break the line with his passing, while Maximiliano Meza stays close to the center to intercept passes and help the transition. These two players must work hard to track back when the wing backs push too high.

In the final third, Argentina uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. Mauro Icardi operates as a lone striker, using his movement to hold up the ball and find space in the box. Rodrigo De Paul plays on the left wing and will often cut inside to create more central presence. Erik Lamela operates on the right wing to provide width and quick dribbling. This front line is designed to press the opponent's defenders immediately upon losing the ball.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for Argentina. The use of wing backs like Gabriel Mercado and Marcos Acuña allows for wide overloads that can pull defenders out of position. The central trio of Santiago Ascacíbar, Walter Kannemann, and Ramiro Funes Mori ensures compactness when defending a low block. Additionally, the team can use the speed of transition to catch opponents out when they push too far forward.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a heavy attacking presence while keeping a solid block of defenders behind. It is a lineup best suited for games where the team needs to control the wings and press high against a side that plays out from the back.