Boca Football Formation
Starting Lineup
1. MARCHESIN24. BARINAGA
2. DI LOLLO
32. COSTA
3. BLANCO
5. PAREDES
18. DELGADO
25. ASCACIBAR
22. ZENÓN
16. MERENTIEL
37. GELINI
A high pressing and vertical style defines the Boca lineup in this 5-2-3 formation. The team aims to win the ball back quickly in the final third and strike directly on the break. This formation relies on heavy intensity to suffocate opponents and create chances through rapid transitions.
MARCHESIN acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back five consists of a central trio with DELGADO positioned in the middle to anchor the unit, flanked by COSTA on the left and DI LOLLO on the right. BARINAGA and BLANCO provide the necessary width from the wing back positions, pushing high to support the attack while tracking back to cover the wide areas. The central defenders must stay compact to prevent through balls, with the three central players working to intercept passes and win aerial duels.
The midfield operates with a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. PAREDES and ASCACIBAR occupy the central roles, tasked with breaking up play and starting the transition. PAREDES often looks to drive forward and connect the defense to the attack, while ASCACIBAR works to shield the back line and cover space when the wing backs push up. This duo must maintain close proximity to ensure the team does not get bypassed in the middle.
Attacking movements come from three forwards positioned high up the pitch. MERENTIEL leads the line as a lone striker, working to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. On the flanks, ZENÓN and GELINI act as wide attackers who look to cut inside and create space for the overlapping runners. Their movement creates constant tension in the opposition defense, as they pull markers out of position to allow the midfielders to burst into the box.
One major advantage for Boca is the ability to create wide overloads by using BARINAGA and BLANCO to double up with the wingers. This forces the opposition to defend deep and stretched. Another strength is the compactness of the five defenders and two midfielders, which makes it very difficult for opponents to find gaps when the team sits deep. This setup also allows for quick counter attacks through the passing range of the central midfielders.
This 5-2-3 formation provides a solid defensive base while maintaining a lethal presence in the final third. It is a setup best suited for facing teams that play with high lines or those that struggle to deal with intense pressure in wide areas.