UNAI: PAU MADE BIG SACRIFICE TO AID US

UNAI EMERY says Pau Torres sacrificed his Champions League dream to follow him to Villa Park.

Aston Villa boss Emery believes the Spain international (above) would grace his own country’s leading clubs as the size of the coup pulled off by the Birmingham club last summer was revealed.

Emery’s side looked way more assured at the back during last week’s victory at Fulham after Torres returned from injury.

Bayern Munich were in for a player who cost Aston Villa £38million from Villarreal and manager Emery (right) said: “If I was coach at Barcelona or Real Madrid, I would want a player like him.

“He had some offers from top-six teams in England. There were teams in Italy and Germany as well but he decided to stay in Spain.

“I always wanted him because I can improve him. He has adapted to our structure and the Premier League very quickly. Of course there is more work to do but he is now feeling more comfortable and confident. Everyone can see his quality.”

Emery’s unique selling point as a manager is driving his players towards continual improvement and receiving a buy-in from them. Whenever a player is complimented for his good form, his stock answer is: “He could do more.”

Torres, for all the compliments showered upon him by the club’s boss, is no different.

Ironically, in one area where Torres could improve, in his physical battles, he will have an immediate chance to prove his worth today against powerful Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Emery, who was Torres’s former boss at Villarreal, added: “He was progressing in Spain. We had a plan. Coming here, he’s found the Premier League is more demanding. Even in the duels.

“The first objective he has, on how he can improve, is being strong when he has to fight with very good strikers.

“Not only with the ball but when he has to run back and be in contact with the striker’s body.

“Then it’s about bringing in those qualities. Trying to adapt and play with the ball. He’s doing it very well and with the idea and style I’m trying to create, he is very important.”

Forest beat Villa 2-0 at the City Ground in early November. That was one of only six Premier League games Emery’s men have lost this season.