One of the most decorated young performers in his position, a player embarking on a rich breakthrough season in La Liga. Villareal centre-half Pau Torres has regularly been earmarked as the future of Spanish football.
Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City are all interested in securing his signature this summer, and if this season’s performances are anything to build upon, the Spanish international is on course to quickly fulfil his exciting potential at an elite level.
The lanky defender has been a revelation in La Liga this season. Torres may have emerged into Spanish football at a more latter stage than most players, but he’s adapted seamlessly, becoming a pivotal component in Villareal’s impressive campaign.
So, here’s a profile of the exciting young talent:
How has Pau Torres emerged on the scene?
Born in Villareal, Spain. Torres has enjoyed most of his football playing through the ranks at the club. He made his league debut for the reserve side at the age of 19, starting in a 1-0 away loss in the Segunda Division B game against UE Cornella. He went on to make 56 appearances for the reserve side, becoming a key part of the team. He got the first of his two goals for them in October 2016, scoring in a 2-2 draw with CF Badalona.
Torres then made his maiden competitive appearance for the club in a 1-1 home draw with CD Toledo in the Copa Del Rey round of 32, becoming the first player born in the city to make his debut for the club in 13 years. A landmark achievement for the youngster.
In November 2017, Torres was then rewarded with his first game in La Liga coming on as a substitute for fellow academy graduate Manu Trigerous late into a 3-2 defeat to Sevilla. He also made his European debut in the Europa League ten days later, starting in the home group defeat against Maccabi Tel Aviv FC.
The following summer, the defender was then loaned out to Malaga CF to further his development, and it is a point in his career where he can look back on with much pride going forward. Just what Villareal loaned him out for, Torres achieved it with aplomb. He only missed four Segunda Division games that season as the club reached the promotion play-offs.
After his return to his parent club, all that Torres learned on his loan journey came to the fore, becoming a key figure in the Villareal team ever since his return. He’s played nearly every minute in La Liga this season, and was rewarded with a new contract back in October. In the same month, he notched his first goal at the top level, scoring against CA Osasuna in a 2-1 defeat.
While many taste a whole lot of action at under-21 international level before they make the step up to the first team. It didn’t take long for Torres to make a name for himself at senior level for Spain, scoring on his international debut in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying game against Malta, a 7-0 rout. He was called up for the previous encounters against Norway and Sweden but did not make an official appearance, until he came on as a substitute for Sergio Ramos against Malta before scoring his first goal for his nation.
What’s so good about Pau Torres?
Pau Torres has established himself as one of La Liga’s most highly coveted young talents, and arguably the most promising centre-back.. He’s also brought on comparisons to former Manchester United and Barcelona centre-back Pique, due to his fantastic reading of the game, and constant knack of starting attacks with his fine long and short passes into his midfielders.
Left-footed centre backs are perceived as a rare but unique commodity in the modern game today because of the space they open up and what they offer in terms of distribution from the back. Pau Torres offers just that. He’s comfortable in receiving the pass and distributing it under pressure, as well as picking out riskier and almost impossible longer passes to wingers or forwards.
His range of passing can open teams up and also more importantly gives the team an added width in order to stretch the opposition and disrupt the shape of their midfield. Per 90 minutes, Torres has attempted 3.74 passes with travels longer than 40yrds of the width of the pitch, at a an average rate of 77.6%. He’s certainly not afraid to exert himself when trying to pick out a player in a more dangerous position.
He’s also adept at picking out his midfield players when being pressured, giving them control and freedom to roam up the pitch without pressure from opposition forwards. He’s made 6.57 passes per 90 while being pressed, highlighting his bravery and risk and reward characteristics.
It’s traits like these which is highly valued in possession heavy sides that places its importance in playing out short passes from the goalkeeper, being patient and building from their own defensive third.
Torres is a player who loves to defend, and he does the basics well, he’s made 4.7 clearances per game and wins 50.8% of his aerial dels, an aspect of his game which may need a bit of work, however.
The Spaniard is rarely dribbled past too, on average only 0.1 times per game. He’s positionally excellent and is very astute when standing his ground, and facing up to his opponent. He’s really not afraid to quickly engage the forward and knock the ball out for a throw if need be.
Although, he will have to battle the ever consistent Inigo Martinez for a spot alongside Sergio Ramos at the heart of the Spanish defence. Torres’ current form and improvement means that it won’t be long before he’s leading the back-line once Sergio Ramos hangs up his boots, even probably replacing him while he’s still playing.
Standing at 6’3 and capable of covering ground at a remarkable rate for a central defender, Torres holds all the attributes needed to stand out for a team playing out from the back. He’d easily slot into Barcelona’s back-line, and also Manchester City’s.
Will we see him in the Premier League anytime soon?
It won’t be a total surprise to see a host of English top-flight clubs scour for his services once the window opens. However, Villareal will command a heavy fee for the talented young defender and considering the financial impact of a number of top clubs in the Premier League, its unlikely to see them totally break the bank to secure Torres’ signature.
The decision for his next club is totally his one to make. Does he stay in Spain or try a totally different culture but play under a coach who will truly train him in becoming the best ball-playing defender he can be. Staying in his native Spain may be the most likely outcome in the immediate future, and Villareal are a team on a steady rise. Continuing his progression at the Estadio de la Cerámica won’t do his development any harm. The style of play suits him down to the ground.
In one-versus-one situations, he has the stature and speed to hold his own, but in possession is where he looks to be well-set for a successful career.
The sky really is the limit for the young defender.
Pau Torres, remember the name.
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