Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Mon 4 May 2026 18:40, UK

Pau Torres was a huge miss for Aston Villa in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, as Unai Emery‘s defence failed him miserably.

The Villans got it wrong on just about every level against Spurs, from back to front, but the defence was particularly shocking.

It was the first time Tottenham had a 2-0 lead since December last year, and the goals allowed Roberto De Zerbi’s side to pick up only their second league victory of 2026.

Tyrone Mings was awful, and Victor Lindelof was equally as bad, if not worst, as there’s a case for both to not start again this campaign.

Torres has been influential for Villa, and his importance may now only be realised following the conclusion of what unfolded at Villa Park last Sunday.

Pau Torres was sorely missed vs Spurs, these stats prove why

Lindelof allowed Richarlison the space to score Spurs’ second of the contest, which ultimately allowed the visitors to travel back to North London with all three points.

Mings looks every bit of a declining 33-year-old, and Emery’s focus should be on adding depth in the centre-back position this summer.

Villa surrendered 55 per cent of possession against the Lilywhites, and that was due to poor ball-playing ability from Mings and Lindelof.

The pair made just 10 defensive contributions between them, as the Villans recorded just 19 tackles to Tottenham’s 23, despite the visitors having more of the ball.

Torres is Villa’s highest-rated defender, with a FotMob rating of 6.80, but the Spaniard has only started 17 Premier League games, for one reason or another.

As seen in the graphic above, Torres is in front of Ezri Konsa by 0.04 rating, with Mings and Lindelof further behind with poor records of 6.57 and 6.59.

Torres wins the majority of his defensive duels, and Villa missed his 89 per cent passing accuracy, as his build-up play abilities were needed against Tottenham.

Pau Torres could still leave Aston Villa this summer

Torres has made 105 appearances for the Villans in his time at Villa Park, but that could come to an end this summer.

Barcelona have been linked with the central defender ahead of a summer move, with the defender’s future uncertain right now.

Villa are in no position to be turning down silly money, and if the Catalonian giants were to offer a big bid, it would be no surprise to see NSWE sell him.

Emery is said to be a big fan of the centre-half, who he was clearly resting against Tottenham, to keep him fresh for a second-leg Europa League semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest this Thursday.

However, the loss to Spurs taught us that Torres is Villa’s most valuable defender.