Former Villa skipper hails Pau Torres as key to club's success under Emery

Former Aston Villa captain Conor Hourihane has lavished praise on Spanish defender Pau Torres, labelling him a "top player." The 27-year-old centre-back's £31.5 million move from Villarreal to Villa Park in the summer of 2023 has proven to be a shrewd investment, with Torres quickly becoming an indispensable part of Unai Emery's squad.

Torres' impact has been immediate and profound, playing every minute of Villa's first seven Premier League matches this season. His ability to split defensive lines with pinpoint passing has been a standout feature of his game.

Hourihane, speaking on the 1874 podcast, highlighted a specific instance of Torres' distribution skills that led to Jhon Duran's winning goal against Bayern Munich. Hourihane remarked,

"His distribution, control on the ball, and calmness is top level. The weight of the pass, and he does that a lot in Premier League games as well. Not many centre-halves see that."

Adapting to Premier League demands and European nights

Torres has been open about the physical challenges posed by the Premier League, working diligently to increase his strength through individual training sessions with assistant coach Rodri. This focused approach has paid dividends, with Torres feeling more confident in his second season facing the league's demands. He explained,

"The Premier League demands that every weekend you face world-class strikers. I think I'm adapting well and I feel confident."

His performances in the Champions League have been stellar, instrumental in maintaining clean sheets against Young Boys and Bayern Munich, showcasing his defensive prowess and passing ability on the European stage.

Torres' seamless integration into the team has been a key factor in Villa's success, with his familiarity with Emery's system, having previously played under him at Villarreal, proving invaluable in implementing the manager's style of play at Villa Park.

The Spaniard's continued development and performances will be crucial to the club's ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. With his calm demeanour, precise passing, and growing physical presence, Pau Torres is quickly becoming the cornerstone of Aston Villa's defence, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike.