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.

[Drummond]

I think he's now fully fit again, and what a difference it's made.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

He rarely wins a heading dual which is a bit annoying but he really brings some calm to us playing out from the back and his distribution can be that of a cultured midfielder. Such a massive difference in his form compared to last season, he certainly looks comfortable and happy playing right now. Having Kamara and Bogarde in front of him makes his life so much easier given both are prepared to take the ball off him and defensively supportive.

[LeeB]

He rarely wins a heading dual which is a bit annoying but he really brings some calm to us playing out from the back and his distribution can be that of a cultured midfielder. Such a massive difference in his form compared to last season, he certainly looks comfortable and happy playing right now. Having Kamara and Bogarde in front of him makes his life so much easier given both are prepared to take the ball off him and defensively supportive.

People always pick out his passing but it's not just that, it's the feints and disguises that make his passes so effective.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

He rarely wins a heading dual which is a bit annoying but he really brings some calm to us playing out from the back and his distribution can be that of a cultured midfielder. Such a massive difference in his form compared to last season, he certainly looks comfortable and happy playing right now. Having Kamara and Bogarde in front of him makes his life so much easier given both are prepared to take the ball off him and defensively supportive.

People always pick out his passing but it's not just that, it's the feints and disguises that make his passes so effective.

Oh yeah. He's designed for a team who dominate possession rather than grinding out results. As I mentioned in the Post Match thread, I was so encouraged by Torres and Konsa working so well together with Kamara and Bogarde. A beautiful, fluid balance to the centre of our defence/midfield.

[brontebilly]

As well as Torres, and to be fair the team, played yesterday. Burnley's efforts to press from the front completely disappeared after we scored. Torres is a huge asset in that scenario and did very well. His confidence in his distribution has definitely improved from his horror show at Brentford.

Spurs will be a different test completely, they won't let him walk out with the ball and pass away under no pressure. He had a nightmare there last season so good opportunity to atone for that display. Good test for where we are really at this season.

[paul_e]

As well as Torres, and to be fair the team, played yesterday. Burnley's efforts to press from the front completely disappeared after we scored. Torres is a huge asset in that scenario and did very well. His confidence in his distribution has definitely improved from his horror show at Brentford.

Spurs will be a different test completely, they won't let him walk out with the ball and pass away under no pressure. He had a nightmare there last season so good opportunity to atone for that display. Good test for where we are really at this season.

It disappeared because our goal came from a near perfect bait and counter that opened huge gaps all through their team. Torres is a big part in that because his part was probably the riskiest bit of the whole build-up and he handled it perfectly.