Pau Torres is the underrated figure who has become crucial to Aston Villa's success.

The Villans have won 15 of the 20 Premier League games that the defender has played in and only one of the six when he has not.

Fans of the Midlands club will be hoping the centre-back makes a swift return, having been substituted with muscle pain last weekend.

With Unai Emery sweating over a late fitness test for the Spaniard before Saturday's trip to Luton, we look at his impact since arriving from Villarreal.

Honeymoon period

Torres has revealed that while still on his honeymoon last summer he received an unexpected wedding gift — in the shape of a call from former manager Emery.

He said: "We were in contact. I had to tell him to let us enjoy our holiday.

"That a honeymoon is something you only experience once in your life and that we leave it until I was back. He respected that for the days before I came here."

Torres and Emery knew each other from Villarreal, where they won the Europa League together in 2021.

Having worked his way from the youth team of the Yellow Submarine to become one of LaLiga's top centre-backs, he opened up on why it was time for a move.

Torres said: "I felt like at Villarreal, there wasn't much more I could do.

"I had achieved my dreams with the club of my life.

"It was time to accept a new challenge and come to the Premier League. I am happy with the step I have taken."

Emery verdict

Emery is certainly happy with how Torres has settled in at Villa Park.

The tactician is a long-term fan having waxed lyrical about the left-sided central defender back when they were working together in Spain.

He said: "Pau Torres is an amazing player. I think he's a top player.

"I've been a coach in Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and I've never seen a centre-back like Pau Torres.

"I think he's going to play at the highest level. He's playing now in the national team but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon."

Villa were not considered to be one of Europe's top teams when Torres signed for them but he has been instrumental in the club rising to such a position.

Aside from his defensive qualities, he has been transformative in Emery's side being able to play out from the back.

Brave defender

Torres has spoken about the bravery he displays on the ball from the Villa backline.

He said: "You have to try to overcome the pressure of the other team.

"You can always make a mistake. But you can't be afraid of that. More often than not, when you do it, it turns out well and the team is able to attack more easily.

"Of course, if you can find a solution with a pass, it is always better. But in some moments under pressure, you have to dribble past an opponent."

There was a time when a defender showing courage merely meant them risking injury for the good of the team.

Now they are expected to be brave in possession and in Torres, the Villans have found someone to set the tone for their exciting style of play.