soccer

The tactical fluidity that makes PSG so impressive

BBC Football

These rotating movements can be described as zone replacements. PSG have specific areas that they need filling according to the coach. When a player leaves that area, another player rotates into that position or "replaces that zone".

This helps keep the side balanced. Although they appear spontaneous, there is a level of coordination and predictability to them. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia moves centrally.

Nuno Mendes replaces that zone by moving from a back-three position to now playing on the left flank. The shape of the side remains balanced. The floating players by comparison are the players who find themselves in the middle of the pitch - not bound by the positional instructions of the anchors.

These players have more license to roam freely, often combining with one-touch passing in close proximity. Naturally, defending against technical players with no true position is a task most teams struggle with. The anchoring players are seen in white with the floating players given more freedom in yellow.

Note striker Dembele on the ball in midfield. When on the ball, PSG's two centre-backs are often joined by a third player to form a back three. If the right-winger moves inside, the right-back, Hakimi, fills the space out wide.

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