PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

PSG plays with a focus on verticality and a high press, operating within a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can get organized. Paris Saint-Germain looks to use a high block to squeeze the space in the middle of the park.

Bats stays between the posts to start the build up. The back four consists of Polaniok at right back and Tanasi at left back, both tasked to push up and support the attack. Dréossi and Pilorget act as the central defenders, holding a high line to keep the team compact. Dréossi works to cover the space behind the full backs, while Pilorget focuses on winning the header and clearing the lines. They must stay disciplined to set the offside trap and deny the turn to any oncoming strikers.

In the middle of the pitch, the midfield unit works to control the game. Sène, who is the captain, sits in front of the defense to shield the back four and pick up runners. Perez and Charbonnier occupy the central roles to drive forward with the ball and carry the ball forward into the half spaces. Sušić plays as the attacking ten, operating in the hole to connect the midfield to the front line. This group works together to recycle possession and find the feet of the strikers.

The attack features a two man partnership with Calderón and Xuereb leading the line. Calderón works as a pressing striker to bother the opposition back line, while Xuereb looks to make runs in behind the defenders. They combine in tight spaces to pull the defenders out of position. The team uses the wide areas to spread wide, allowing the forwards to work in combinations. They look to hit in behind on the transition once the midfield wins it back high up the pitch.

The main tactical advantages of this formation include the ability to press high in coordinated waves and create numerical superiority in the central areas. By having Sušić sit between the lines, PSG can often overload the opposition midfield. This also allows for quick transitions where the team can break quickly through the center.

This 4-4-2 formation is designed for teams that want to dominate through central pressure and rapid vertical movement. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play a slow build up from the back.