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PSG Football Formation

Creation DateJune 27, 2024

Starting Lineup

Alain Zhesa (£0 (Free Transfer)) · Franco Fussili (£3,000,000 (Servette)) · Oleksandr Rasxa (£2,000,000 (Dinamo Minsk)) · Mihai Grezepon (£0 (Academy)) · Andre Tchoumane (£0 (Academy)) · Arsen Dracuga (£3,000,000 (Bucharesti)) · Ousmane Xirkzde (£0 (Academy)) · Ludin Gratfu (£1,000,000 (Dundalk)) · Resario (£1,000,000 (Nacional)) · Feddy Acanja (£0 (Academy)) · Karzai Baramo (£0 (Napoli - Loan))

PSG relies on a high press and heavy verticality with this 2-5-3 formation. This lineup aims to dominate the pitch by flooding the middle and attacking thirds to pin the opposition back. The system is built to play aggressive, direct football that seeks to overwhelm opponents through sheer numbers in the final third.

Alain Zhesa plays behind a very shallow defensive line in goal. The back line consists of just two central defenders, Franco Fussili and Oleksandr Rasxa, who must be ready to sweep behind a high line when the ball is lost. These two act as ball playing defenders to start attacks, but they must also be prepared to defend large amounts of space behind them. The defensive unit functions by squeezing the space and trusting the midfield to win the ball back high up the pitch.

A five man midfield acts as the engine for PSG. In the center, Andre Tchoumane and Arsen Dracuga work as a double pivot to shield the two defenders and protect the middle. Mihai Grezepon operates as an inverted eight to link the defensive and attacking lines. To provide width and creativity, Feddy Acanja plays as a right attacking midfielder while Resario works on the left. This midfield group is designed to control the tempo and progress through the thirds with quick passing.

The attack utilizes three players across the front to stretch the defence. Karzai Baramo operates as a lone striker to lead the line, while Ousmane Xirkzde and Ludin Gratfu act as wide attackers. Ousmane Xirkzde and Ludin Gratfu often cut inside to create central presence, leaving space for the midfielders to push up. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. This combination creates many opportunities for runs in behind and allows the team to attack in quick combinations during transition.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through numerical superiority in midfield. By having five players in the middle, PSG can easily win the second ball and recycle possession quickly. The wide overloads created by the attacking midfielders and the front three make it difficult for opponents to defend the flanks. The ability to press high in coordinated waves puts immense pressure on the opponent's build up play.

PSG uses this aggressive lineup to dominate possession and force errors through high pressure. It is best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block or overwhelm a side that lacks central density.