Pau Torres

[Steve67]

Nice passer of the ball but weak physically and either needs a meathead next to him, or he drops out if and when Mings is back up to scratch.  He's decent is Torres but him and Konsa don't seem as strong. as Mings and Konsa.

[VillaTim]

Mings/Konsa is the best CB partnership at the club, though Torres is class bringing the ball out and picking passes

[paul_e]

Thought some of his decision making was poor yesterday.  Usually him slowing play feels like it helps the team to compose themselves more, but he just delayed too long.  Plus I wish someone would introduce him to Digne.

We were far too slow at times yesterday. Gave them loads of time to reset their shape.

Reset their shape? They never committed either full back or either centre mid into our half, there was nothing to reset to get their 6 man defensive wall in place. Look at the average positions on here - https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/everton-aston-villa/PY#id:12436933 - it looks like there's some shape because Young swapped sides but that's about the most defensive I've ever seen that graphic look against us.

[Goldenballs]

Be interesting to know our win/loss record when he plays vs when he doesn't, but also our goals for and against.

I'd guess we win more with him playing, but also concede more. Actually, rather than guess I've attempted to do a footy and put some stats out there.

Last season with him starting.
Wins: 16
Draws: 6
Losses: 10

Scored a total of 48 goals in the matches where Pau Torres started.
Conceded 31 goals in the matches where Pau Torres started.
Kept 10 clean sheets.

Did not start in 6 matches. W2 D2 L2.

In those games, Aston Villa scored a total of 13 goals. Kept 2 clean sheets.

Aston Villa conceded 15 goals in the 6 matches where Pau Torres did not start.

Passing off AI as my own in depth research. Which having checked, looks wrong anyway, thanks for reading 😂

[PaulWinch again]

That performance tonight demonstrates why he is top class. A colossus in defence and then the pass to Duran is just ridiculously perfect. There is no doubt he is magnificent.

[rob_bridge]

That performance tonight demonstrates why he is top class. A colossus in defence and then the pass to Duran is just ridiculously perfect. There is no doubt he is magnificent.

The better the opposition the better he plays. Seemingly

[Risso]

His ability on the ball is something else. Don’t think we’ve ever had a better passer of the ball from defence.

[Dave]

Beautiful finish as well. Did all the bits that he needed to do for a brilliant goal, a brilliant assist and a flawless defensive performance.

Probably his best performance for us.

[rob_bridge]

His ability on the ball is something else. Don’t think we’ve ever had a better passer of the ball from defence.

Except for Paul McGrath.

[Risso]

His ability on the ball is something else. Don’t think we’ve ever had a better passer of the ball from defence.

Except for Paul McGrath.

Not sure he had the range of long passing that Pau does. Obviously a better all round defender.

[PaulWinch again]

Mings/Konsa is the best CB partnership at the club, though Torres is class bringing the ball out and picking passes

Torres proved it’s him plus another.

[AV84]

Shame his goal didn't stand. Has his wife had their baby? He was sucking his thumb when celebrating.

Edit - to answer my own question, yes, baby Lucia born 9/9. No paternity leave for Pau, I guess.

[Monty]

He was exceptional, my word he was good. Definitely earned that paella tonight (and I sincerely hope 'paella' is a euphemism).

[pauliewalnuts]

He is absolutely superb, I love watching him play.

He's like a quarterback, he is so instrumental in how we attack. Such a cultured player.

His ball for our goal tonight was absolutely perfect.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Absolutely but tonight it was his defensive play that really stood out. A superb performance.