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Pau Torres team news predicted at Aston Villa amid Tyrone Mings confusion
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton is convinced Pau Torres will be a starter for Aston Villa this season but doesn’t see how Unai Emery can justify dropping Tyrone Mings.
Villa signed Spain international Torres, 26, from Villarreal last month for over £30million and he’s since been utilised by Emery in pre-season friendlies.
Hutton noticed that the new Villa defender was deployed in more of a left-back role against Brentford in the USA but that then raises questions about the likes of Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne’s roles in the side.
Hutton was impressed by Mings last season and points out that he only agreed a new long-term contract in February, which confuses matters further.
The ex-Villa right-back, however, believes that the money spent on Torres suggests he’ll be in Emery’s starting line-up against Newcastle next week.
“It’s probably the most interesting point in the Aston Villa camp at this moment in time,” Hutton told Villa News.
“Diego Carlos came in as a big signing as was meant to take up the mantle but then he had a bad injury. Konsa and Mings did really well, Mings signed a new contract and then Torres has come in for big money.
“Where does he fit into this mould? He played more like a left-back against Brentford so is that where he’s going to play and allow Matty Cash to bomb forward? It’s an interesting talking point because you’ve got Moreno and Digne there already.
“What does Emery do? I don’t know. I’m not sure what his starting defence will be.
“Torres, for me, plays but I’m not sure. I think he plays.
“If you look at Man City, for example, they can spend £40million-£50million on a player to enhance the squad and make them stronger but with certain times like Aston Villa, if they spend over £40million, they’re coming in to play and to make the starting line-up better.
“Torres definitely does that. I thought he’d take over from Mings but he’s done well and not long signed a long-term contract. He’ll want to play. It’s an interesting dynamic at this moment in time.”
In other Aston Villa news, a big-name exit is on the cards at Villa Park if a “decent” bid is made.