Boca Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- A. Marchesín
2- L. Di Lollo
24- L. Balerdi*
32- A. Costa
48- D. Gorosito
5- L. Paredes
10- P. Dybala*
16- M. Merentiel
3- L. Blanco
25- S. Ascacíbar
21- A. Herrera

Boca plays a 4-4-2 formation that focuses on a direct and vertical style of play. This lineup is built to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create quick transitions. The goal is to win the ball in central areas and push it forward rapidly to the two strikers.

A. Marchesín stays between the posts to command his area and start play with his distribution. The back four operates as a flat line that can step up to squeeze the space. L. Balerdi acts as a ball playing defender who can pass out from the back, while L. Paredes provides aerial strength and covers the space behind him. On the flanks, L. Di Lollo and A. Costa act as full backs who provide cover against wide runners but can also overlap to support the midfield.

The midfield operates in two lines of two to keep the team compact. S. Ascacíbar acts as the primary shield for the defense, using his tackling and work rate to intercept passes. A. Herrera links the play, driving forward from deep to connect the defense to the attack. On the wings, L. Blanco and D. Gorosito provide the width, tucking in to help the center or pushing high to deliver crosses.

Boca uses two forwards to pin the opposition defenders back. M. Merentiel acts as a physical presence who can hold up the ball and fight for second balls. P. Dybala plays as a second striker, using his dribbling style and passing range to find pockets of space between the lines. These two forwards press the opposition back line to force mistakes and prevent easy build up play.

This formation offers the advantage of compactness when defending in a mid block. By keeping the two lines of four close together, the team can prevent passes through the center. Another strength is the ability to create wide overloads when the full backs push up to join L. Blanco or D. Gorosito. This creates situations where the team can isolate wide players in one on one battles near the touchline.

This 4-4-2 formation is designed for a high intensity game that relies on direct transitions and physical presence. It is best suited for facing teams that play with a high line and leave space behind their defenders.