Pau Torres

[SamTheMouse]

He's been absolutely brilliant, but so has Konsa, who's a proper leader now. He used to need Mings alongside him to look assured, now he's the one keeping everyone steady. It's helped Torres to shine too.

[PeterWithe]

Any news on his injury? At least I guess he went off injured?

[paul_e]

I don't think so, just knackered after a busy week.

[PeterWithe]

Oh ok, ta. A bit dicey to change 2/4 so late in the game.

What do I know eh?

[usav]

It's so unbelievably obvious that a good Pau = a good offside trap, especially partnered with Konsa, and that changes everything, it changes our shape, changes how high up we play, changes our pressing, changes our passing options, it's remarkable really.

It's not long ago that it was a FACT* that Cash, Konsa and Pau together was, and always would be a shambolic liability. Hope Tim's not taking this season too badly.

*not an actual fact

Talking of actual facts, Villa have not lost a home game in 15 months that he has started the game.  But he can't defend.

[Mellin]

Torres is a brilliant player in superb form, but doesn't that mean he just didn't start against Palace?

[usav]

It means whatever you want it to mean.

[Villafirst]

UE confirmed via John Townley that Pau was left out tonight along with Emi Martinez due to injury. He didn't say what the nature of the problem is with Pau. Hopefully it's nothing too serious because we don't have Mings back for at least another 2 weeks.
However, I thought Lindelof did ok tonight even though he's a right-footed CB. Konsa is playing every game.
Martinez is still nursing a back problem and was rested tonight.

[brontebilly]

It's so unbelievably obvious that a good Pau = a good offside trap, especially partnered with Konsa, and that changes everything, it changes our shape, changes how high up we play, changes our pressing, changes our passing options, it's remarkable really.

It's not long ago that it was a FACT* that Cash, Konsa and Pau together was, and always would be a shambolic liability. Hope Tim's not taking this season too badly.

*not an actual fact

Diego Carlos was statistically part of our best defence. An irrefutable fact.

Fair play to Torres for turning around his Villa career. He had regressed badly and was being openly targeted by dog and duck forwards like Jimenez. Even at Brentford early this season he was horrendous. Slowly but surely he has got back into his stride, his distribution skills are levels above Mings. We simply couldn't play that cat and mouse type game at the back unless Torres is there.

We have got to that point at left back now too. Trading off a bit more defensive stability with Digne for what Maatsen can give us in the attacking third.