We’re thrilled to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa blogger; each week, he’ll share his thoughts on the club’s most pressing issues…
Dan Bardell believes Aston Villa’s signing of Pau Torres demonstrates the club’s progress, while hailing the Spaniard as a “outrageous” addition to Unai Emery’s team.
Torres joins Villarreal from Emery’s former club in a deal for up to £35 million [Daily Mail] and will join his ex-boss in the greatly upgraded Villa defense.
The Villans finished their Premier League campaign by surrendering just six goals in their final eight games, a huge improvement from the start of the season.
Pau Torres vs Barcelona 22/23 pic.twitter.com/hcDehVDHnu
— EB10 (@buendiazboyz) June 30, 2023
On Wednesday evening (5 June), Fabrizio Romano said that an agreement has been reached for Villa to sign Torres, although he is now on his honeymoon with his wife. He is expected to go into England in the coming days to undertake his Aston Villa medical.
Torres’ signing, according to Bardell, is promising because it strengthens their roster for the forthcoming demanding season.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said that Torres was brought to the club by both the Premier League and Emery.
“I think it’s probably a little of both,” Bardell remarked.”It’s the place where most footballers want to come and play because, in my opinion, it has the highest standard of football.”
“Torres has previously played under Emery, and he’s probably played his best football under Emery, so there will already be an element of trust and a relationship there.”
“He was part of the Villarreal team that reached the Champions League semi-finals under Emery, so he’s seen firsthand what Emery’s methods can do.”
“Towards the end of last season, people stood up and took notice of Villa a little bit more, and they gave Emery the credit he deserved for the job he’s done.” Getting Villa into Europe was incredible; Villa had no right to be there considering the start they had. It just goes to prove what a great manager Emery is.
I believe it is pretty encouraging to strengthen in an area that does not require strengthening. Villa’s defense was particularly strong towards the conclusion of the season, with numerous clean sheets, particularly away from home. The defense was the basis and a key part of how Villa went to Europe.
“It’s a good thing to be strengthening in that position from a position of strength.”
“Torres has played international football for a big country in Spain, and he also has European experience, which is important in this squad because not many of the Villa players have played any form of European football, let alone Thursday-Sunday.”
“When he’s on form, he’s an incredible centre-back to watch.” He’s incredibly talented. He’s incredibly progressive with his passing and will often do Cruyff twists to find space with the ball.
“He’s a really talented defender, but that doesn’t mean he’ll come to the Premier League and adapt right away, which is why I think it’s a good thing Villa are well-equipped at the back.” He comes in and adds to the three or four who are already there.”
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