Pau Torres

[Brend'Watkins]

I wish Pau and Diego would stop putting their hands behind their arse when trying to block. That was a major contributor to the deflection on Sunday.

I understand why they do it, but it does seem to lead to a load more deflections.

They’re instructed or coached to do it. It might mean an increase in deflections but I’d say some maths has gone on with the result that not doing it would mean a higher chance of hand balls. After 13 league games we haven’t conceded a pen to a hand ball I think.

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

He makes Harry Maguire look even shitter than Harry Maguire makes Harry Maguire look.

[Risso]

I wish Pau and Diego would stop putting their hands behind their arse when trying to block. That was a major contributor to the deflection on Sunday.

I understand why they do it, but it does seem to lead to a load more deflections.

They’re instructed or coached to do it. It might mean an increase in deflections but I’d say some maths has gone on with the result that not doing it would mean a higher chance of hand balls. After 13 league games we haven’t conceded a pen to a hand ball I think.

We've conceded two goals from deflections in this scenario though.

[Footy-Vill]

I find it fascinating how it's going to be with Pau tonight as We will very much play to the plan even if against Haaland.
Emery will have set our high line strategy, but Alvarez will be a real pain as he is good in their press and because of the way our style and system is the defence all need to be alert and Pau will be key in making some advanced carries and passes.

[PaulWinch again]

Supremely assured, never felt concerned when the ball went to him.

[dorsetvillian]

Superb alongside Carlos

[Ian.]

Sublime ain’t he? Also he’s getting stronger too. What a shrewd signing he was.

[supertom]

Class. One first-time pass he played out to McGinn gave me the 'orn.

[Steve67]

What a snip.  Great player. 

[brontebilly]

I was definitely one of the doubters after a very ropey start in a Villa shirt. But you can't knock his ability on the ball. For all Mings attributes, turning and drilling passes first time into midfield was never going to be his game. Even the equaliser against Bournemouth it was his pass out to Diaby that set him free. Torres is like another midfielder when we have the ball.

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

Class just fucking class.

[Monty]

I love how calm we all feel when the ball goes back to him in pretty much any situation. When he's good he opens us up to a whole new way of playing.

[Somniloquism]

Good shot attempt from a defender as well although relatively straight forward for a keeper like Emerson.

[Matt C]

He’s the conductor of the orchestra in Emery’s team.

[Toronto Villa]

Absolutely Rolls Royce of a footballer. Not just a very intelligent defender, but an outstanding all round player. Really now coming into his own and one of the top defenders in the league now.