Ander Herrera to start for Boca, star may change position in 2026 | OneFootball

It’s clear that his 2025 wasn’t good overall, but he finished it on a positive note. After renewing his contract for one more year, Ander Herrera started the preseason in optimal physical condition and inspires hope for a much more involved 2026 in a more ambitious Boca. For this reason, he could change the plans for Claudio Úbeda’s preferred tactical scheme.

After seriously considering retirement during the holidays, the European midfielder decided to continue for one more season in Argentine football, but with significant salary changes in his contract with Xeneize. It’s also worth noting that training began at the club’s facility in Ezeiza on January 2nd, and the Spaniard pleasantly surprised everyone with his condition.

The truth is that Herrera is participating in the most demanding training sessions alongside the group. With this key factor ahead of the start of official competitions, there’s a strong possibility that the coach will change the tactical setup looking toward the future. It’s important to highlight that during 2025, Ander hardly started any matches, but that could be different now.

Due to the excellent physical condition he’s shown over the past week, the Spaniard’s presence could lead Úbeda to switch to a 4-4-2, but with Exequiel Zeballos as a forward. Leaving the left wing, as has been the case since his debut in the First Division, Changuito would take up a position in the attack with complete freedom to move and link up with his teammates.

In this way, Boca would add Herrera as a midfielder and forgo a traditional striker, bringing in the native of Santiago del Estero as part of the attacking duo. Thus, the European would join the midfield led by Leandro Paredes, with the aim of finally consolidating the elite partnership that the squad has but has barely been able to utilize on the field.

Although there are still just over two weeks left before the start of the 2026 Apertura Tournament, the coach is beginning to draw conclusions from the preseason, and the coming days will be key in defining what his ideal team will look like. Also, in the next few hours, a formal practice match will be held against the Reserve team, in which Úbeda will take action and which will be crucial for kicking off the year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.