PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

PSG aims to dominate through high pressing and rapid transitions. This 3-4-3 formation is built to push the opposition back and win the ball high up the pitch. The team looks to play through the lines and attack with speed once possession is regained.

Donnarumma stays between the posts to provide shot stopping presence. The back line consists of a back three featuring Pacho, Marquinhos, and L. Hernandez. Marquinhos acts as the right centre back, using his reading of play to organize the unit and cover for his teammates. Pacho sits on the left to maintain a compact defensive block, while L. Hernandez plays as the central defender to step into midfield when needed. The unit works to squeeze the space and maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield relies on a central pairing of Vitinha and F. Ruiz to control the tempo. Vitinha acts as a carrier who drives forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. F. Ruiz sits deeper to shield the defence and win the second ball. On the flanks, Hakimi and N. Mendes operate as wide midfielders who provide immense width. Hakimi uses his pace to overlap the wingers, while N. Mendes tracks back to support the defence during transitions.

In the final third, PSG uses three attackers to stretch the defence. Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé play as inverted wingers who cut inside to create chances. Dembélé uses his dribbling to isolate defenders one on one. G. Ramos operates as the lone striker, often holding up the ball to allow others to join the attack. The front line presses the opposition back line to force long balls, while the wingers look to get to the byline and whip it in for G. Ramos to attack the near post.

One major advantage of this lineup is the ability to create wide overloads. When Hakimi and N. Mendes push high, they create numerical superiority against the opposition full backs. The team also benefits from the speed of transition, allowing them to hit in behind on the transition before the opponent can set their defensive block. This creates many opportunities to find the feet of the striker in dangerous areas.

This 3-4-3 formation makes Paris Saint-Germain a heavy pressing force that is hard to play through. It is best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block or punish teams that play with a high line.