PSG Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kylian (Mbappe) · Mbappe 2021 · Di Maria · Susic · Veratti · Motta · Armand · Silva · Marquinhos · Hakimi · Donnarumma

PSG relies on a high press and verticality within a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly through wide channels. The intention is to control games by squeezing the space in the opposition half and using pace to punish teams on the transition.

Donnarumma operates between the posts as the last line of defense. The back line functions as a flat back four that can step up to set the offside trap. Marquinhos acts as a ball playing defender who can carry the ball forward, while Silva provides cover and maintains a high line. Hakimi plays as an attacking full back to provide width, whereas Armand stays more disciplined to balance the defense. The defensive unit works together to compress the midfield and deny the turn to any oncoming attackers.

The midfield features a three man midfield with a carrier and a creative link. Motta acts as the pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Veratti operates as an inverted eight who can receive on the half-turn and play through the lines to find the attackers. Susic plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space and arrive late into the box. This trio connects the back four to the front three by moving the ball quickly from deep areas into the final third.

PSG utilizes three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. Kylian acts as a pressing centre-forward who works to pin the last defender and find space in behind. Di Maria operates as an inverted winger who prefers to cut inside to create chances, while Mbappe plays as a wide winger who stays high to exploit one on one situations. The front line uses combinations to break the line and is designed to create runs in behind through quick vertical passes.

A major strength of this PSG formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. The presence of Hakimi allows for wide overloads when he overlaps the winger. Additionally, the speed of transition provided by Mbappe and Di Maria makes the team extremely dangerous when they break quickly against a disorganized defense.

This formation is defined by its aggressive pressing and rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high defensive line or struggle to manage wide overloads.