Villarreal’s Pau Torres is one of the most in-demand central defenders in Europe right now. After another above average season at the Spanish club, Pau Torres is once again linked with a number of clubs across Europe. One of the reasons why Torres is linked regularly with a number of top clubs is because of his ability play on the ball that is demanded from almost every modern day center-back. The 25-year old Spanish international is also left-footed which is another in-demand skillset in the market right now. Torres played the most minutes for an outfield player among Villarreal players in the 2021/22 La Liga season. Pau Torres was also key to Villarreal’s memorable run in the Champions League.

The following visualisation shows where Torres ranks for some of the key defending metrics when compared with the other center-backs from Europe’s top five leagues.

Pau Torres, approaching the end of his fourth season at Villarreal, possess almost every quality that is asked of a modern day center-back. As mentioned earlier, it is his ability on the ball that makes him stand out. Pau Torres ranks in the 80th percentile for Key Passes per 90 minutes and 95th percentile for Passes into final third. His numbers on other passing metrics, including Progressive passing, also look good. An area of his game that requires definite improvement is his aerial ability as he ranks a lowly 32nd percentile for aerial duels per 90 minutes. His ability to defend 1v1 also requires improvement as he lacks sometimes in game awareness, as shown by him falling in the 39th percentile for PAdj. interceptions.

Torres is already a Spanish regular at only 25 years old. Having been linked with a number of English clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City, it remains to be seen if Torres can shine in a tougher and more physical league like the Premier League. He possess some unique skillsets in his bag that will get him a move to big club very soon but it will be interesting to see if he can carry his form at Villarreal to his next club.