PSG Football Formation
December 18, 2024
Dorong
Starting Lineup
Doue · Barcola · Dembele · Pacho · Marquinhos · Hakimi · Neves · Zaire-Emery · Fabian · Vitinha · DonnarummaPSG aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike quickly. This 3-4-3 formation is built for a high press and rapid vertical play. The lineup allows Paris Saint-Germain to control the tempo while looking to hit in behind on the transition. Rapid movement is key to this style.
Donnarumma guards the goal and helps manage the high line. The back three consists of Pacho, Marquinhos, and Hakimi. Marquinhos sits in the middle as a dominant defender in the air. Hakimi plays as an attacking wing back to provide width and overlap the winger. Pacho provides cover on the left to maintain a compact block when the team defends zonally. They work to hold the line and keep the opposition pinned back.
In the middle, Vitinha and Zaire-Emery form a central pairing to control the game. Vitinha uses his passing range to find teammates and recycle possession. Zaire-Emery is tasked to carry the ball forward and drive the team through the thirds. Fabian and Neves sit on the edges of the midfield to support the play and help defend the wide areas. This group works to squeeze the space and win the second ball to keep the pressure on.
The attacking trio features Dembele, Barcola, and Doue. Dembele and Barcola act as inverted wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal. Using his dribbling style, Dembele looks to isolate defenders in one on one situations. Doue operates as the striker, looking to hold up the ball or run into the channels. Movement is designed to stretch the defence and allow for cutbacks from the byline.
This formation creates significant tactical advantages. The team can create wide overloads through the movement of Hakimi. There is also a high level of pressure when they win it back high up the pitch. The ability to play through the lines with Vitinha makes the transition very quick and difficult to track.
This 3-4-3 formation relies on pressing intensity and vertical play. It is most effective against opponents that struggle to play out from the back or leave large spaces behind their defensive line.