Argentina National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

8. VILLALBA
7. RAIMONDO
10. JUANMA DIZ (C)
14. PEREZ
5. CUSO
24. PORCEL
13. GORDI
26. ESLINGER
6. MASCIARELLI
4. ACUÑA
23. BASURA

Argentina relies on a high press and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and use wide areas to stretch the opposition. The system is built to suffocate opponents in their own half before breaking quickly with three attackers.

BASURA starts between the posts to oversee the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back five where Porcel sits centrally to anchor the defense. Gordi and Eslinger act as the wide center backs to provide cover when the wing backs push forward. Acuña and Masciarelli function as attacking wing backs tasked with providing width and crossing ability. The defensive unit stays compact to protect the center and relies on the wide defenders to step up and intercept passes.

The midfield consists of a two man unit with Perez and Cuso. These two players operate in a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Cuso and Perez must work together to shield the defense and recycle possession when the team moves from a high press into a more controlled build up. They connect the defensive line to the front three by playing through the lines and ensuring the ball reaches the wide players.

Argentina uses three attackers across the front to pin the opposition back. Raimondo and Juanma Diz (C) act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. Juanma Diz (C) leads the group and looks to find space between the lines. Villalba operates as a lone striker who holds up the ball to allow the wingers to arrive late into the box. The front three press from the front to force a long ball and create turnovers near the opponent's goal.

This formation offers significant advantages in wide areas due to the overlapping runs of Acuña and Masciarellli. Argentina can create wide overloads that force the opposition to pull defenders out of position. The ability to press in coordinated waves allows the team to win the ball back high up the pitch. This setup also provides compactness when defending deep in a low block.

The 5-2-3 formation is a heavy pressing system designed to dominate territory through width. It is best suited for matches where the team can exploit space on the counter at pace against a high defensive line.