Premier League star discusses failed Real Madrid move, tips youngster to mark an era | OneFootball

Speaking to AS in an exclusive interview, Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has opened up on his failed move to Real Madrid back in 2021.

The Spanish international, who was playing for Villarreal at the time, had emerged as a serious target for Real Madrid following the departure of club legend Sergio Ramos.

However, as per the defender, Los Blancos opted to go in favour of David Alaba over him as the latter was available for free that summer after his contract at Bayern Munich had expired.

“There was talk of it, but there was an option in the market like Alaba, who was free and they went for him,” said Torres.

“There was interest on their part and it’s nice that such a big club is interested in me, but I was also very happy at Villarreal because it’s my home,” he added.

On Real Madrid’s current crop of defenders

Torres then discussed the current crop of defenders at Real Madrid, naming Alaba is a player that he likes the most while also naming new signing Dean Huijsen as someone to watch out for.

“I like Alaba a lot. We’ll see how he comes back from his last injury. Huijsen would be the other one I’d most like to watch to see how he adapts to such a big club,” noted the Spaniard.

Torres then went on to talk about Huijsen in detail, highlighting his ball-carrying abilities, saying:

“His adventure in the Premier League has been impressive and Andoni Iraola has given him the confidence to develop his enormous qualities. I liked him a lot when I saw him on the pitch.

“He carries the ball well and he forces the opposing team to go deep. His season has been phenomenal and he deserves to sign for a big club like Madrid.”

On whether he sees any similarities between himself and the Real Madrid youngster, Torres added:

“That’s true (laughs). In the way he plays and even physically a little bit. If I had to say which centre-back in the Premier League most resembles me, I would say him.”

Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid this summer. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Torres then stated that Huijsen has the ability to mark an era at Real Madrid, saying: “It’s possible that he will. Madrid have made a big move and I think they’ve got it right.

“He already has a very high level and with how young he is he should progress even more. If he keeps this evolution he will be an outstanding player for many years.”

Huijsen is not the only player to make the move to Real Madrid from the Premier League this summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold also joining them from Liverpool.

Torres backed the England right-back to taste success at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying:

“He is a great footballer, with very good feet, a great passer with a magnificent cross and spectacular at set pieces. Madrid will suit him very well because it’s a team that attacks a lot and that’s what he likes the most. I think he will adapt well.”

On whether Trent will be a liability defensively for Real Madrid, the Aston Villa star added:

“He will have to push himself more in the most complicated duels. It’s not his best quality and he knows he needs to improve in that area.”

Torres was then asked to pick one of Dani Carvajal or Trent as his starter right-back at Real Madrid, to which he did not have any hesitation in choosing his fellow Spaniard.

“Carvajal, of course. Hopefully he can get back to 100%. When he’s fit he’s the best right-back in the world. He’s very complete in everything, he has leadership and a commendable attitude,” noted Torres.