River Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Amadeo Carrizo (🇦🇷) · Daniel Passarella (🇦🇷) · Ricardo Vaghi (🇦🇷) · Norberto Yácono (🇦🇷) · Juan Pablo Sorín (🇦🇷) · Néstor Rossi (🇦🇷) · Norberto Alonso (🇦🇷) · José Manuel Moreno (🇦🇷) · Adolfo Pedernera (🇦🇷) · Ángel Labruna (🇦🇷) · Félix Loustau (🇦🇷)

River looks to control games through a vertical style of play that focuses on quick transitions and directness in a 5-2-3. This formation is built to overwhelm opponents by using wide areas to stretch the defence before cutting inside to exploit central gaps. The lineup aims to win the ball high and move it forward instantly to the front three.

Amadeo Carrizo starts between the posts, acting as the foundation for the defensive unit. The back line functions as a back five, with Néstor Rossi and Ricardo Vaghi holding the central positions to defend the box and win headers. Daniel Passarella plays as a wide centre back, ready to step up and carry the ball forward into the middle third. On the flanks, Juan Pablo Sorín and Norberto Yácono act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and deliver crosses. This defensive block remains compact when the team sits deep to protect the central area.

The midfield operates as a two man unit designed to connect the defence to the attack. Norberto Alonso and José Manuel Moreno work to control the tempo and recycle possession in the middle. Norberto Alonso looks to play through the lines with his passing range to find the forwards. José Manuel Moreno provides support by pressing in a mid-block to win the second ball. They must also track back to cover the space left by the advancing wing backs, ensuring the team stays solid during transitions.

The attacking trio is built for constant movement and pressure. Ángel Labruna leads the line as a pressing centre forward, looking to find the feet of his teammates or run in behind the defence. Félix Loustau and Adolfo Pedernera operate as wide attackers who cut inside to create numerical superiority in the half spaces. This movement creates space for the wing backs to overlap the winger. River relies on these combinations to break the lines and deliver early balls into the box for the striker to attack.

A major strength of this River formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs join the attack. The team also benefits from a high press in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press from the front. This allows the side to win it back high up the pitch and catch the opposition out of position. The setup provides a balance between defensive density and offensive width.

This 5-2-3 formation creates a powerful platform for rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and can be exploited with speed in wide areas.