Aston Villa boss Emery: Torres could play for Barcelona or Real Madrid

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has hailed the form of Pau Torres.

Emery says the Spain defender could walk into any team in Europe.

"Pau Torres is a very good player and his level is high," Emery said. "He is playing with the Spain national team, more or less being consistent. We worked together in Spain and were doing a plan with him.

"He was progressing. Taking the decision to come here and play in the Premier League is more demanding, even in the duels. That is the first objective he has, in how he can improve, is try to be strong when he has to fight with really 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 is about trying to adapt quickly in the best qualities he has, trying to adapt and play with the ball. He is doing it very well and in my idea and style I am trying to create here, he is very important.

"Of course when he came here last year it was because we had a very good relationship professionally. He knows me and I know him. When he was in Spain another step for him was to try and play in the Premier League or the top teams in Spain. He decided to come here and of course it is very important I was here and I spoke with him about it.

"He had offers (previously), from the Premier League. But he decided in that moment, we were playing in the Champions League with Villarreal, to stay there. He had offers from the top six in the Premier League.

"If I was the coach at Barcelona and Real Madrid I would want a player like him. He had some offers from top six teams before in the Premier League. He refused because he decided to stay in Spain.

"There were teams in Italy and Germany as well. I always wanted him because I think his potential I can help him improve more. His challenge here in the Premier League is to improve the weaknesses which might stop him progressing with another team.

"Again, he is showing his potential and he is adapting to our structure and the Premier League very quickly. Of course, there is more work to do but I think now he is feeling comfortable and more confident. Everyone can see his quality."