PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Donnarumma (Safónov) · N.Mendes (Beraldo) · Hernández (Kimpembe) · Marquinhos (Pacho) · Hakimi (Zague) · João Neves (Mayulu) · Vitinha (Lee) · Zaïre-Emery (F.Ruíz) · Kvaratskhelia (Barcola) · Gonçalo · Dembélé (Doué)

Seeking to control the game through high pressing, PSG utilizes a 4-3-3 formation. The team wants to win the ball back high up the pitch to maintain constant pressure on the opponent. This lineup is built to dominate the ball and dictate the tempo of the match through quick passing.

Donnarumma guards the goal. The defence operates in a flat back four with Marquinhos and Hernández as the central pair. Marquinhos uses his aerial strength to win headers, while Hernández is tasked to cover the space behind a high line. Hakimi and N. Mendes act as attacking full backs to provide width. Hakimi pushes high to overlap the winger, and N. Mendes moves up the left flank to stretch the defence and provide an option to cross.

The midfield uses a three-man unit to control the central area. Zaïre-Emery works as a single pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. Vitinha and João Neves act as the two players who connect the defensive and attacking lines. Vitinha helps to recycle possession and play short from the back, while João Neves looks to carry the ball forward through the thirds. This group works to compress the midfield and win the second ball.

PSG uses three attackers across the front line. Gonçalo acts as a lone striker to hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia play as wide attackers who often cut inside. Dembélé uses his dribbling style to beat his man in one on one situations, while Kvaratskhelia looks to drive at the defence. The wingers can also pull wide to allow Hakimi and N. Mendes to overlap and whip it in towards the far post.

This formation offers specific tactical advantages for Paris Saint-Germain. The team can create wide overloads from the overlapping runs of the full backs. The midfield provides numerical superiority to bypass the midfield of the opponent and play through the lines. The team can also press high in coordinated waves to win the ball back quickly and start a new attack.

This 4-3-3 is defined by its high pressing and ball dominance. It is best suited for matches where the team can use their quality to hit in behind or exploit wide areas against a low block.