According to a recent print edition of Mundo Deportivo (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Manchester City are planning to step up their chase for Villarreal CF centre-half Pau Torres this summer. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Citizens could face stiff competition from Barcelona in pursuit of his signature during the summer transfer period (via Sport Witness).
Torres’ Impressive Form In La Liga Last Season
The Vila-real born talent has experienced a solid campaign at the Estadio de la Cerámica after producing a run of dominant displays at the centre of the Yellow Submarine’s defence. He made 36 appearances for the Spanish outfit last season, netting two goals and providing two assists across all competitions which sheds light on his tenacity to get involved in the attacking third.
The Spanish workhorse has also been a reliable defender at the back based on his average of 1.0 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.7 blocks and 4.4 clearances per game in La Liga last season. He has hardly given away the ball after completing 85.4% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 23-year-old has also secured one senior cap for the Spanish national side, registering one goal for his homeland thus far. If the Villarreal centre-half can maintain his good form next season, then he will stand a chance of being named in Spain manager Luis Enrique’s squad ahead of next summer’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The Spanish Defensive Ace Add To Pep Guardiola’s Side?
Torres can use his quickness to make some important recovering runs inside his half. He is often quick to scan the danger and has shown a knack for making some vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his team. The Spaniard is also an accurate distributor of the ball, which makes him an ideal candidate to fit Pep Guardiola’s style of play at the Etihad Stadium. At 23, he is about to hit the peak years of his football career, which the Citizens could look to benefit from over the next few seasons.
Is Torres The Right Fit For The Citizens?
Torres will not only add more stability and variety to Guardiola’s backline but also increase competition for places within his squad. Furthermore, he will provide some much-needed competition for the likes of Eric Garcia, John Stones and Nicolás Otamendi in the race to play alongside Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the Man City defence in the upcoming campaign.
Standing at 1.91m tall, Torres can be a commanding figure at both ends of the pitch. He has all the attributes required to be a world-class centre-back, and there will be no one better than Guardiola to get the best out of him in the years to come. All in all, the Spaniard seems like a perfect fit for the Mancunian outfit as he will help them win even more trophies in the coming seasons.
