PSG Football Formation
June 6, 2025
Pretorian
Starting Lineup
KEHLER · THIAGO SILVA · KIMPEMBE · BERNAT · MARQUINHOS · HERRERA · PAREDES · MBAPPÉ · NEYMAR · DI MARIA · NAVASPSG aims to play a vertical game built on quick transitions and a high press in a 5-2-3. This lineup focuses on hitting the opponent quickly once the ball is won back high up the pitch. They aim to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence and create space for the front three to operate in the final third. The goal is to move the ball from the back to the front as quickly as possible.
NAVAS starts in goal to cover the back five. The central defence features MARQUINHOS, THIAGO SILVA, and KIMPEMBE. MARQUINHOS holds the middle, while THIAGO SILVA uses his aerial strength and positional sense to cover the line. KIMPEMBE offers a physical presence to defend zonally and step up to meet attackers. Wide roles are filled by BERNAT and KEHLER who act as attacking wing backs to provide width. BERNAT pushes up to overlap the winger, while KEHLER offers width on the right to help the attack.
The midfield works as a double pivot with PAREDES and HERRERA. PAREDES plays as a deep-lying playmaker to recycle possession and shield the defence. HERRERA connects the defensive and attacking lines by carrying the ball forward into the half spaces. This duo aims to win the second ball and immediately look to play through the lines to the forwards. They must work to compress the midfield to prevent the opposition from playing through the center.
Three forwards work in combination to drive the attack. NEYMAR cuts inside from the left using his dribbling and vision to create chances for his teammates. MBAPPÉ acts as a pressing centre-forward who uses his speed to run in behind the defence and exploit space. DI MARIA stays wide on the right to whip it in or cut it back from the byline. This front three aims to isolate defenders in one on one situations and use quick one-twos to break the lines.
A major advantage for Paris Saint-Germain is the speed of transition. Wide players and attacking wing backs create wide overloads that force the opposition to shift constantly. The team also has the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win it back high up the pitch. This allows them to maintain pressure and force the opposition to play long balls.
This formation is built for high intensity and quick strikes. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.