Pau Torres

[Flamingo Lane]

If he needs recuperation during the close season it may be best that he doesn't get included in Spain's squad for the Euros.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

I think as a defender Torres isn’t in the same league as them and as a ball playing defender they’re not in the same league as Torres.

I think we should credit him for his ability to lead the back line. It’s not just his ball playing that is important. When he’s not there we just aren’t as organized. Everyone looks more assured when he’s playing.

Yep and I think this idea that he’s not a good defender is just nonsense. He just isn’t a blood and thunder type player, his style is more assured.

He certainly is a good defender and his style or skill set suits the way we play. I just think having played about 20 games to put him in the ‘best since McGrath’ category is a bit premature, which was what I commented on originally. Since God, I’d but the two Scandinavians ahead of Torres at the moment.
It’s pretty clear that when he’s in the team we’re a completely different prospect, so fingers crossed he’s not out again for any length of time.

[Olneythelonely]

The best since McGrath

Laursen / Mellberg?

I remember them.

[London Villan]

Would Southgate be in that mix too?

[Goldenballs]

I heard an insane statistic the other day - without Torres our league win ratio is 25%, with him it is 75%*

* might have imagined this whole thing

I read that too, crazy stat. Decent piece on him.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11095/13078167/pau-torres-exclusive-interview-aston-villa-defender-confident-of-achieving-big-things-under-unai-emery

[Ian.]

Didn’t we have very similar stats for when we missed Mings?

Not that I’m taking anything away from Torres who is such an important cog in the way we play, but removing a player of this quality is something we can’t deal with.

[Goldenballs]

Yeah it was similar. We still miss Mings defending corners, his head was a magnet for the ball. We're up with the worst in the league for goals conceded from corners.

[ChicagoLion]

Would Southgate be in that mix too?

Not even close.

[Risso]

As much as I loathe Horseface as England manager, he was brilliant for us.

[Simon Page]

I agree with Risso.

[Dogtanian]

As much as I loathe Horseface as England manager, he was brilliant for us.

What the hell have you got against horses? 

[Sexual Ealing]

As much as I loathe Horseface as England manager, he was brilliant for us.

What the hell have you got against horses? 

I had something against a horse once. Six months later I was out, with certain conditions attached.

[Somniloquism]

Is that why they nick name you Hay-cock?

[Brend'Watkins]

Yeah it was similar. We still miss Mings defending corners, his head was a magnet for the ball. We're up with the worst in the league for goals conceded from corners.

We have no CH who gets close to his ability to clear crosses so emphatically. Yes, we miss him greatly in that sense.

When all are fit again. Pau, Konsa and Mings as a back 3 for me with Cash making way.

[Sexual Ealing]

Is that why they nick name you Hay-cock?

No. It's why they nickname me Beast. That's if nicknames are what people write on the front door of your bedsit.