Aston Villa are set to bolster Unai Emery's defensive options this summer
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Our dedicated Aston Villa reporter is always on the pulse of all things claret and blue, from major talking points to transfer news to match action, John Townley will bring you the very latest from Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.
Pau Torres of Aston Villa
Pau Torres of Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
Pau Torres has become one of the more divisive Aston Villa players among the fan base.
Despite playing a key role in the club’s rise under Unai Emery, the Spaniard has come under fire for his perceived defensive flaws, which many claim Tyrone Mings makes up for when he plays in the team instead.
There’s no doubting Torres’ ability in possession, which is a major reason why Emery fought to sign him two summers ago.
In his first season, Torres’ place in the side was guaranteed as Mings suffered a serious knee injury on the opening weekend of the campaign.
Last term, however, Mings impressed on his return and didn’t taste defeat in the 14 Premier League games he played.
Not playing Mings against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals and at Manchester United on the final day of the season were mistakes, even though Torres’ inclusion certainly wasn’t the only reason for those disappointing performances.
On Claret & Blue, John Townley and Dan Rolinson opened the floor to supporters, who gave their opinions on Torres heading into the new season.
An interesting comment reflected on Torres not being the ideal partner for Ezri Konsa, and that a physically dominant centre-back like Mings would be the perfect foil for the former Villarreal man.
Back in January, following the sale of Diego Carlos, Villa tried to sign Loic Badé from Sevilla, but he rejected the opportunity to join Emery’s squad.
While Konsa has been deployed at right-back previously, Emery could look to bolster his options further by recruiting a right-sided defender who can complement Torres better, but still play Konsa in what would be a back three in possession — a system often deployed in 2023/24.
The profile of centre-back which Villa recruit to finally replace Carlos could give a big clue to what the future holds for Torres.
Townley said: “This brings us to the bigger question: is Konsa the issue? Personally, I don’t think so. He’s a fantastic defender, England-calibre, and both Tuchel and Emery rate him highly. But stylistically, does he complement Torres? That’s where the doubt creeps in.
“Emery is clearly committed to Torres — he brought him from Villarreal, knows his game, and wants to play a possession-heavy style that suits Torres perfectly.
“Yes, we might concede a few more goals with him, but with the right partner, that number could go down. With Konsa, it likely stays where it is.
“The alternative is reverting to the trusted Mings–Konsa partnership. It’s worked well, they’re close on and off the pitch, and we tend to keep clean sheets with them.
“Then Torres becomes more of a situational player — used in games where we dominate the ball or in Europe, where his style shines.
“Villa tried to sign Badé from Sevilla last January, which supports the question — Emery is clearly looking for that type of defender.
“But from what I’ve heard, that ship has sailed. Badé didn’t want the move, and Villa have moved on. Of course, things can change quickly in football.”
Rolinson added: “If one of Torres or Konsa were to be moved on during Emery’s tenure, I think it would be Konsa. Not because he’s not good enough — in fact, he’s the better defender — but because Emery is more likely to build a unit around Torres.
“Torres is his man. If the pieces around him don’t fit, Emery will replace the pieces — not Torres.
“And from a financial point of view, Konsa is a valuable asset. He’s English, proven in the Premier League, and still relatively young. A future sale could bring in big money and help Emery rebuild the defence more in his vision.”
Townley responded: “The only counterpoint here is: can you realistically build long-term around Torres? He’ll be 29 in January, and I’d be surprised if he’s still here in three years.”
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