PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

PSG aims to control games through high intensity and verticality using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch and using wide areas to stretch the defence. The team wants to transition from a compact defensive block into a rapid attack that exploits the spaces behind the opposition back line.

M.Safonov sits between the posts to command the area and start play. The defensive unit functions as a back five where Vitinha acts as a central defender to help play out from the back. Marquinhos operates as a ball playing defender with great aerial strength and positioning, while Willian Pacho provides cover alongside him. The wing backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi push high to provide width, acting as attacking wing backs who can overlap the attackers.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to manage the central zone. João Neves works to press aggressively to win the ball high and connects the defensive and attacking lines with his energy. Fabián Ruiz sits alongside him to recycle possession and shield the defence. This pairing must be disciplined to ensure they do not get caught when the wing backs push forward.

PSG utilizes three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. Ousmane Dembélé plays as a lone striker, working to hold up the ball and lay it off to incoming runners. On the flanks, K.Kvaratskhelia operates as an inverted winger who likes to cut inside onto his left foot, while Désiré Doué plays on the opposite side to create chances. The movement of these forwards is designed to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to deliver crosses.

One major advantage for PSG is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. The formation also allows for compactness when defending by dropping into a narrow defensive block. This setup provides the speed of transition needed to catch teams on the break.

This 5-2-3 formation is a potent tool for a team looking to dominate through wide play and high pressing. It is best suited for matches against opponents that play a high line or leave space on the flanks.