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Pau Torres to boost Aston Villa performances with international platform expected with Spain
Pau Torres looks set to be handed the platform to boost his performances for Aston Villa while on international duty with Spain.
The 26-year-old, who signed for Villa from Villarreal for £33million eventually rising to £38million in add-ons, has had a difficult start to life in the Premier League.
But after being called up to represent his country during the international break, fixtures against Georgia and Cyprus could hand him the perfect opportunity to build up some confidence.
The centre-back arrived at Villa Park with a big reputation after Unai Emery persuaded him to make the move to Birmingham over the summer.
He had been linked with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs over the past few years following his form for the Yellow Submarines.
The Spaniard was seen as the right man to help improve the Villans’ options in the centre of defence as they look to build upon their impressive campaign last season.
But it hasn’t been the best start for Torres in the Premier League after his side have conceded nine goals in their opening four games, with the defender playing in each of those matches.
Their only clean sheet in the league came against struggling Everton despite Emiliano Martinez recording 13 shutouts in 38 games last season.
The defender’s stats in those fixtures don’t make for pretty reading either after he has made no interceptions and been successful in just two of his five attempted tackles (WhoScored).
He has also been dribbed past by opposing players on three occasions as he’s struggled to adapt to the pace of the English top flight.
While his pass success rate had been excellent in the opening three games – only dropping below 90 per cent once in the victory over Everton – it fell off dramatically in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday (3 September).
Despite being known for his ability on the floor, he recorded a successful pass percentage of just 72.3 per cent at Anfield, proving that he may be a little short on confidence at the moment after struggling to break through the Reds’ high press.
If he is handed the nod by Luis de la Fuente, the upcoming international games should give him the opportunity to get back to his best to be able to take some form back to Villa with him.
Spain will be massive favourites in both of those matches and it would be a surprise to see them concede given that they are likely to dominate the ball and offer up too many chances.
The break away will also hand Torres the chance to take a breather after a tricky start at his new club, but he will be confident that he can quickly adapt to the level on his return to Villa Park next week.
In other Aston Villa news, one player is heading out of the club after agreeing a move away.