PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Chevalier · Hakimi · Mendes · Pacho · Marquinhos · Vitinha · Fabián Ruiz · João Neves · Dembélé · Doué · Kvaratskhelia

A high press and vertical style defines how PSG plays in a 5-2-3. This formation is built to attack with speed and use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence. The team looks to win it back high up the pitch and move the ball forward quickly through the thirds.

Chevalier guards the goal while the defensive unit operates as a back five. Pacho, Vitinha, and Marquinhos form the central trio. Marquinhos provides aerial strength and covers the space behind the line. Hakimi and Mendes act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width. When defending, the wing backs drop back to form a narrow defensive block, ensuring the team stays compact.

The midfield works as a double pivot with Fabián Ruiz and João Neves. João Neves presses aggressively to win the ball and drives forward with the ball when space is available. Fabián Ruiz connects the lines and drops between the centre-backs to receive possession. This duo works to compress the midfield and pick up runners from the opposition. Their role is to protect the back three and recycle possession to keep the pressure on.

In the final third, Paris Saint-Germain employs three attackers across the front. Dembélé occupies the center as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender. Kvaratskhelia and Doué operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to threaten the goal, using a sharp dribbling style to create space. This allows Dembélé to use his pace to hit in behind on the transition. The wing backs, Hakimi and Mendes, are tasked to overlap the winger and deliver crosses into the box.

The lineup offers a great ability to press high in coordinated waves, which can force a long ball from the opponent. Another advantage is the wide overloads provided by the wing backs. By pushing Hakimi and Mendes high, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations or create numbers in the wide areas. This forces the opposition to pull defenders out of position.

This 5-2-3 formation provides both defensive stability and extreme attacking width. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to dominate possession and attack through the flanks.