PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

L. Hernandez · Marquinhos · N. Mendes · Hakimi · G. Ramos · Kvaratskhelia · Dembélé · F. Ruiz · Vitinha · Pacho · Donnarumma

Paris Saint-Germain plays with a heavy focus on high pressing and verticality. This 3-4-3 formation aims to dominate the pitch by squeezing the space and winning the ball high up the pitch. The lineup focuses on quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position.

Donnarumma stands between the posts to command the area with his shot stopping. The defensive unit works as a back three with Pacho on the left and Marquinhos on the right. L. Hernandez acts as the central defender to organize the line. Marquinhos uses his positional sense to cover while Pacho is capable of stepping into midfield to progress the ball. N. Mendes and Hakimi play as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width. They must track back when the ball is lost to maintain a compact formation.

In the center of the pitch, Vitinha and F. Ruiz form a double pivot. Vitinha acts as a deep lying playmaker to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. He is known for his passing range and ability to carry the ball forward. F. Ruiz connects the defensive and attacking lines by picking up runners and playing through the lines. Together, they aim to compress the midfield and deny the pivot of the opposition.

The attacking front three consists of Kvaratskhelia, G. Ramos, and Dembélé. Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé operate as wide attackers who often cut inside to create numbers in the central areas. Dembélé uses his dribbling style to isolate a one on one wide. G. Ramos acts as the focal point, looking to hold up the ball and win the header. This front line is designed to press from the front and force a long ball from the defenders.

PSG gains significant advantages through wide overloads. When Hakimi and N. Mendes push high, they create two on one situations against the opposition full backs. The team also excels at speed of transition, using the ball to hit in behind on the transition through the pace of the wingers. This allows them to break the line quickly once the ball is won high up the pitch.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on intense pressing and rapid movement in the final third. It is a formation best used against teams that try to play out from the back.