Newell's Football Formation
Starting Lineup
USTARI (GK) · DIAZ (LD) · VILLALGRA (LI) · LOPEZ (DFC) · MAMMANA (DFC) · PREDIGER (MCD) · TONSO (MD) · ZALARRAYAN (MP) · VILLALBA (SD) · NEIRA (SD) · TEVEZ (DC)Newell's relies on a high press and direct attacking transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents off guard. By staying compact and aggressive, the team seeks to punish teams that try to play out from the back.
USTARI starts in goal to organize the defensive line. The back five features PREDIGER as the central man to hold the line and win the header when balls are cleared. Alongside him, LOPEZ and MAMMANA act as wide centre-backs to cover the spaces left when the wing backs push up. DIAZ and VILLALGRA operate as attacking wing backs, tasked to spread wide and provide crossing options. The unit works to maintain a high line to keep the team compact.
The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. TONSO and ZALARRAYAN act as the engine, with the responsibility to connect the defensive and attacking lines. ZALARRAYAN works to press aggressively to win the ball high, while TONSO provides cover to protect the defenders. They must work together to win the second ball and ensure they do not get bypassed in the middle.
In the final third, Newell's employs three attackers across the front. TEVEZ leads the line as a pressing centre-forward, using his experience to find pockets of space and link up play. He is flanked by VILLALBA on the left and NEIRA on the right. VILLALBA and NEIRA act as wide wingers who look to cut inside and create chances. This front three is designed to press from the front, forcing the opposition back into their own half and creating chances for runs in behind.
This formation offers significant advantages in wide areas and defensive stability. The presence of DIAZ and VILLALBA allows for wide overloads when they overlap the wingers. Additionally, the three central defenders provide extra security against teams that try to use a lone striker, as they can easily double up to deny the turn.
Newell's uses this aggressive 5-2-3 to dominate territory through intense pressing. It is a lineup best suited for games against teams that struggle to play under pressure or rely heavily on long balls.