Anthony Onifade

Tue 19 December 2023 20:10, UK

Aston Villa and Unai Emery may well have suffered a fresh blow ahead of Friday’s clash with Sheffield United as Pau Torres could now be a doubt for the crucial encounter.

The Villans could find themselves at the top of the Premier League table by the end of Friday (22 December) when they host the struggling Blades at Villa Park.

However, Emery has certainly suffered a new headache for the game with Pau Torres coming off their 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday (17 December) injured which was confirmed by the Spaniard straight after the game.

And according to Premier League injury expert, Ben Dinnery taking to his Premier Injuries X account (18 December), there is no definitive return date for Torres’ return to action with his status at 50 per cent meaning he could very well miss Friday’s game.

The former Villarreal man has been an absolute revelation at the heart of the Aston Villa defence.

The Spaniard was initially signed as an early back-up to captain and leader Tyrone Mings but since the Englishman’s severe injury suffered in their 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United, Torres has swiftly taken over and hasn’t looked back since.

In his 16 Premier League starts, the Spaniard has scored two goals, and completed 88 per cent of his passes, 91 per cent in his own half whilst helping the club to four clean sheets so far this campaign sitting alongside either Diego Carlos or Ezri Konsa at the heart of the Villa back-line.

Torres has also won 55 per cent of his total duels, and 52 per cent of his aerial duels and has successfully completed an impressive 81 per cent of his dribbles [SofaScore].

But his underlying stats go beyond that and are a perfect reflection of why Emery thought it was necessary to shell out big money on his services from Villarreal.

Over the past 365 days, Torres ranks incredibly well amongst centre-backs in Europe’s top-five leagues ranking in the top six per cent for progressive passes per 90 (5.64), top three per cent for progressive carries per 90 (1.79) and in the top two per cent of centre-backs for successful take-ons per 90 [FBRef].

It is evidently clear Emery chose to purchase the defender because of his unerring qualities in possession but that doesn’t mean he shirks away from his defensive duties too.

In fact, the Spaniard has proven an ever-present in that regard as some of his performances in recent weeks suggest.

In one of the recent matches in the Premier League Torres particularly stood out was the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in North London on 26 November, also scoring the crucial winner.

The centre-back did, however, also shine in various other areas, with the summer signing winning six of his seven duels and completing 84% of his passes [Sofascore].

Moreover, the defender made two clearances, one tackle and one interception, as well as completing both of his attempted dribbles (100%). The centre-back also blocked one shot and was not dribbled past throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch.

Against Brentford on Sunday, amidst the West Londoners’ relenting pressure on their home turf, Torres stood out once again, completing 86 per cent of his passes, 100 per cent of his crosses, 100% of his dribbles, 50 per cent of his long balls, creating one big chance and winning three total duels [SofaScore].

Villa have been absolutely incredible at home this season and are currently on a run of 15 successive home wins at Villa Park but that does not mean they take their foot off the gas pedal against Sheffield United on Friday.

It is surely an understatement to say that Torres will sorely be missed against Chris Wilder’s men on Friday who are desperate for much-needed points in their own quest for Premier League survival even at this stage of the campaign.

Cruel blow if Torres is not fit to start. It could disrupt Emery’s rhythm.

In other Aston Villa news, Ian Wright has waxed lyrical over a first-team player and has dubbed him “fantastic” after what he did recently.