Newell's Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Newell's plays with a clear intent to hit in behind on the transition using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to be defensively solid by sitting in a mid-block and forcing the opposition into mistakes. The team aims to play with high intensity once they win the ball, looking to break quickly through the wide areas to exploit space.

M. López stands between the posts to command the area. The defensive unit functions as a back five that can shift across the pitch to deny the turn. S. López sits centrally to hold the line, while Plaza O. and G. López operate as wide centre-backs to cover the space when the wing backs push up. Sosa and Plaza C. act as attacking wing backs, tasked to provide width and overlap the winger. This formation allows the team to defend zonally and maintain a compact block.

The midfield is a double pivot with Durán and Sánchez working to control the centre. Sánchez is tasked to shield the defence and protect the back five, while Durán works to carry the ball forward and break the line. They must work together to win the second ball and recycle possession when the attack stalls. This pairing connects the defensive and attacking lines, ensuring the team can move from a low block into a quick attack.

In the final third, the team uses three attackers to stretch the defence. Menes plays as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of the midfielders. A. López and Santiago operate as wide attackers, with the intent to cut inside or get to the byline to whip it in. The movement of the wing backs, Sosa and Plaza C., is designed to create wide overloads and allow for cutbacks from the byline.

A major strength for Newell's is the ability to create wide overloads. The formation also offers great compactness when defending, making it hard for opponents to play through the lines. The speed of transition is another advantage, as Menes and the wingers can exploit space immediately after a turnover.

This 5-2-3 formation is ideal for a team that wants to absorb pressure and strike on the counter. It is best suited for matches against high pressing opponents who leave gaps behind their defensive line.