PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. SAFONOV (Russie) · W. PACHO (Equateur) · MARQUINHOS (Brésil) · A. HAKIMI (Maroc) · N. MENDES (Portugal) · VITINHA (Portugal) · J. NEVES (Portugal) · F. RUIZ (Espagne) · K. KVARATSKHELIA (Georgie) · D. DOUE (France) · O. DEMBELE (France)

PSG focuses on a high press and rapid transitions when playing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move the ball quickly to the attackers. The team seeks to control games by squeezing the space in the opponent half and using wide players to stretch the defence.

M. Safonov plays between the posts to oversee the defensive unit. The back line functions as a back five with Vitinha acting as a central defender alongside Marquinhos and W. Pacho. Marquinhos provides leadership in the middle while W. Pacho covers the space behind. The wide defenders have very aggressive roles, with A. Hakimi acting as an attacking wing back on the right and N. Mendes playing as an attacking wing back on the left. These two push high up the pitch to provide width and support the attack.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. J. Neves sits deeper to shield the defence and recycle possession, using his passing range to find teammates. F. Ruiz plays alongside him to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often carrying the ball forward to drive the team into the final third. This duo must work hard to press in a mid-block and ensure they do not get bypassed during transitions.

In the attacking phase, PSG utilizes three attackers to pin the opposition back. O. Dembele plays as a pressing centre-forward who looks to find space between the defenders. K. Kvarkatshelia operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chances. D. Doue plays on the right wing to provide width and direct running. The team relies on quick combinations and runs in behind to punish opponents as they move from the midfield into the attacking third.

One major advantage for PSG is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of A. Hakimi and N. Mendes. Their presence allows the wingers to move into central areas, creating more passing lanes. The formation also provides compactness when defending, as the five defenders and two midfielders can quickly shift to block the center. This makes it difficult for opponents to play through the middle.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to dominate through aggressive pressing and wide attacking play. It is best suited for matches against opponents that play with a high line and can be caught on the break.