PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M.Safonov (Alessandro Longoni) · Willian Pacho (Lucas Beraldo) · Marquinhos (Ilya Zabarnyi) · Nuno Mendes (L.Hernández) · Achraf Hakimi (Yoram Zague) · Vitinha (Warren Zaïre-Emery) · João Neves (Senny Mayulu) · Fabián Ruiz (Dro Fernández) · K.Kvaratskhelia (Q.Ndjantou) · Ousmane Dembélé (Ferran Torres) · Yan Diomande (M.Akliouche)

PSG focuses on a high press and quick verticality through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and punish opponents with rapid transitions. The team looks to use width and speed to stretch the opposition and create scoring chances quickly.

M.Safonov acts as the goalkeeper within a defensive unit that utilizes a back five. Marquinhos serves as a central defender, providing aerial strength and leadership. Willian Pacho and Vitinha complete the central trio, with Vitinha often stepping into midfield to help progress play. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes operate as attacking wing backs, tasked to push high up the pitch to provide width. This system allows the team to sit deep when needed or push up to squeeze the space.

The midfield functions as a double pivot consisting of João Neves and Fabián Ruiz. João Neves works to press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch, while Fabián Ruiz connects the defensive and attacking lines. These two players must cover large areas of the pitch to shield the back line and recycle possession. They look to find the attackers quickly once the ball is regained to drive the team forward.

PSG employs three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. K.Kvaratskhelia operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create. Yan Diomande stays wide on the right to stretch the defence, while Ousmane Dembélé leads the line as a striker. The front three press the opposition back line constantly to force a long ball. They use combinations in tight spaces to create runs in behind and deliver crosses from wide areas.

One major advantage for PSG is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. By pushing the wing backs high, they force the opposition to defend extra players in wide areas. The team also benefits from a high press in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger pressure. This allows them to win the ball in dangerous areas and launch attacks before the opponent can settle.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a strong platform for aggressive counter attacking football. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.