PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Marquinhos · Pacho · Zabarnyi · Mendes · Hakimi · Vitinha · F. Ruiz · J. Neves · Kvaratskhelia · Dembélé · Safonov

PSG plays with an aggressive identity built on winning the ball back high up the pitch, utilizing a 3-5-2 formation. The team looks to play through the lines and move the ball forward with directness. This formation is designed to control the center of the pitch while using wide players to stretch the defence.

Safonov acts as the last line of defense to organize the unit. The back three consists of Zabarnyi, Marquinhos, and Pacho who maintain a high line to squeeze the space. Marquinhos and Pacho are capable of playing out from the back, while Zabarnyi acts as a covering defender to protect the space behind. The unit defends zonally to block the runner and maintain compactness.

The midfield features a single pivot supported by two inverted eights. Vitinha uses his passing range to recycle possession while acting as the single pivot to shield the defence. J. Neves and F. Ruiz operate as an inverted eight pairing to connect the defensive and attacking lines. J. Neves holds his position to protect the middle, while F. Ruiz makes late runs into the box. Hakimi and Mendes act as attacking wing backs to provide width. Hakimi uses his pace to overlap the winger, and Mendes pushes high to support the attack.

Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé operate as two forwards in a partnership. Both players look to cut inside to create central threats. Dembélé uses his dribbling to pull wide or drive into the half spaces, while Kvaratskhelia looks to run in behind the defense. They press the opposition back line to force a long ball. This combination of players allows PSG to attack in transition with speed.

One major advantage for Paris Saint-Germain is the ability to create wide overloads from the wing backs. The central trio of Vitinha, J. Neves, and F. Ruiz provides numerical superiority in midfield to win the second ball. This allows the team to compress the midfield and dominate possession. The lineup also allows for the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win it back high up the pitch.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on a high press and rapid vertical play. It is best suited for facing teams that play a low block or those that struggle to track back against wide runners.