Pau Torres

[aj2k77]

When Pau starts to purr then so do The Villa.

[Russ aka Big Nose]

Torres being in the side is certainly a positive in terms of the build up play, though what has been really important in the last couple of games is the willingness of defenders - especially the CBs - to travel with the ball into midfield if the opposition do not come out of their shape.

On Thursday night, for example, Konsa carried the ball deep into the opposition half on a number of occasions. It's vital to how we want to progress when in possession and it makes a big difference - not least because it means the opposition cannot rely on getting into shape and being compact.

Torres still worries me. For all that he brings when in possession, he is still a (big) risk when we are out of possession.

Lots of teams will target him. He played well when he came on versus Fulham, but had Jimenez not gone off injured it might have been a different story. UTV

Konsa made some great foraging runs forward against Feyanood that’s why I mentioned it but it’s the first time he’s done it in about two years, it needs to become more than a one off

Absolutely. Same for others, especially Cash.

If they have space in front of them and no obvious pass, travel with the ball. It pulls teams out of their shape and even if pressed, it's possible to recycle possession sideways or backwards.

[Russ aka Big Nose]

When Pau starts to purr then so do The Villa.

In possession, agreed. Defensively, he still worries me - though he won a couple of headers and duels when he came on against Fulham.

[Monty]

While his main attributes are with the ball, sure, I can't help but notice that his return to the team has coincided with the return of our offside trap to respectable levels.

[Meanwood Villa]

He's been great since coming back in

[RamboandBruno]

He’s a great player. I almost, almost, not quite, wish twatty Tim was back for a milli second to appreciate him.

[Mister E]

He's been great since coming back in

I've noticed that he seems to have improved his positioning, which means he isn't getting caught out by quick opponents quite so much.

[PaulWinch again]

On form his positioning was always top notch. He just wasn’t in great form last year. At his best he’s a really high quality centre half.