Aston Villa: Pau Torres news ‘massive’ after new injury development
Pau Torres returning to the starting line-up was “massive” for Aston Villa against Fulham, according to Ty Bracey.
The Spanish international made his first start since the middle of December in the 2-1 victory over the Cottagers on 17 February after recovering from an ankle injury.
The 27-year-old centre-back played alongside fellow summer signing Clement Lenglet at Craven Cottage after Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos have both been sidelined through injury as Unai Emery navigates his side through their various injury problems.
While it’s often talked about that two left-footed centre-backs can’t play together, Bracey was “really happy” with how Torres and Lenglet performed as he believes the situation isn’t a problem.
Asked about the return of Torres, speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “It was massive. If you watch the build-up of the goals, there was one goal that he was very important in the build-up to it.
“He dragged a few players out of position in the middle of the field to carry the ball a bit further and that’s where the goal came from for Ollie Watkins.
“To have him back in the team, doing what he does best, it’s not an assist but he was definitely part of the build-up for the goal.
“It’s massively important for us that he’s back in the team.”
Clement Lenglet and Pau Torres partnership no issue for Aston Villa
Speaking about Torres and Lenglet playing together, Bracey said: “There is this unwritten rule in football that two left-footed centre-backs is a problem, but if it’s two right-footed centre-backs, it’s not a problem.
“They are professional footballers, they should be able to use both feet. Lenglet looked bang up for it, I couldn’t really fault him, he had a good game.
“I was really happy with the pair of them at centre-back together.”
Pau Torres could make all the difference for Aston Villa
It’s absolutely no coincidence that Villa returned to winning ways with Torres in the side after he was excellent before picking up his injury.
Before he suffered the issue against Brentford in December, the Villans had just secured back-to-back 1-0 victories against Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Spaniard could make a real difference for Emery over the coming weeks and there is no reason why he can’t build up a decent partnership with Lenglet as they are both fairly experienced campaigners.
All eyes are now on Nottingham Forest, with another big three points up for grabs.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has reacted to a “moment of magic” from a player Emery sold.
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