PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Dembélé · Donnarumma · L. Hernandez · Hakimi · Skriniar · Marquinhos · G. Ramos · Asensio · Ugarte · Ruiz · Soler

PSG uses a 5-2-3 formation to play a high press and vertical game. The team seeks to win the ball high up the pitch to launch immediate attacks. This lineup is built to stretch the defence and use quick transitions to bypass the midfield.

Donnarumma guards the goal, relying on his shot stopping and presence to command the area. The defensive unit functions as a back five. L. Hernandez acts as the left wing back, while Hakimi operates as the right wing back to provide width and overlap the winger. Skriniar holds the left centre back position, with Ugarte playing as the central defender to anchor the line. Marquinhos plays as the right centre back, using his aerial strength and positioning to cover the space behind the wing backs.

The midfield features a two man unit with Ruiz and Soler working as a double pivot. Ruiz works to connect the defence to the attack, often dropping to receive the ball. Soler helps to press in a mid block and covers the central areas. This pair must be ready to win the second ball and recycle possession quickly. They are tasked to protect the centre of the pitch when the wing backs push high.

The front line uses three attackers to stretch the play. Dembélé plays as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and use his dribbling to break the line. Asensio stays wide on the right to stretch the defence. G. Ramos leads the attack as a pressing centre forward, using his aerial strength to win headers and hold up the ball. The team uses the width of L. Hernandez and Hakimi to create overlaps and deliver crosses into the box.

A major advantage for PSG is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This forces the opposition to play long and allows the back five to defend easily. The formation also creates wide overloads when the wing backs join the attackers. These overloads help to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This 5-2-3 lineup offers a strong foundation for teams that want to defend deep and strike quickly. It is best suited for facing opponents that play with a high line and leave space behind their defenders.