Part of the end-of-season reviews for all clubs includes analyzing the stats. The Aston Villa social media page released the top three Villans in terms of minutes played, passes completed, and interceptions in an infographic.
Stats without context are meaningless. Taking a look at the passes completed category, it shows a possible answer as to why Unai Emery has elected to go with the center back pairing that he has in big games.
Youri Tielemans came in at number one. Ezri Konsa had the second most. Pau Torres is number three from the past season in this statistical category.
For a midfielder to lead in this category, it obviously makes sense. Particularly when a player like Tielemans plays as much as he does. It is, after all, often the Belgium international who wins the ball back or picks up the pass from the defenders to push forward to the further advanced Villan teammates.
Having two center backs in the top three is not a bad sign. Particularly when a team wins back possession and is able to keep it in the opposition half, it will be the CBs who serve as the pivot point when the ball swings from one side to another, looking for an opening. Then add that Villa often ask Emiliano MartÃnez to build from the back. The opportunities for the central defenders to be directly involved are just that much more.
For Torres in particular, this is an interesting aspect to observe. Many wanted to see Tyrone Mings play and provide that stabilizing presence for the Villa backline.
Since before Torres arrived at Villa, however, it has been known how much Emery admires the Spanish defender's skill set. This is especially true in how Torres is able to pick out passes from his role.
Stability at a critical CB position for Aston Villa
A lot of clubs are looking for a stable CB situation. AVFC is in the fortunate position of being able to comfortably rotate between any three players there. Mings and Torres, in this case, are two who offer something different as a defender.
It should only further show how well-rounded the overall squad is and what will continue to be the goal throughout the summer to build upon, even with PSR concerns.